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Related Experiment Video

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In Vitro Modeling of Down Syndrome Neurogenesis Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
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Generational effects in Down syndrome: Enriched environment enhances functionality without reducing Alzheimer's

Lídia Vaqué-Alcázar1,2,3, Laura Videla1,4,5, Bessy Benejam5

  • 1Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|October 3, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Generational improvements have led to milder intellectual disability (ID) and increased autonomy in Down syndrome (DS). However, these advancements have not delayed the age of Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis in individuals with DS.

Keywords:
Alzheimer's disease (AD)Down syndrome (DS)functionalityintellectual disability (ID)intelligence

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Down syndrome (DS) is the primary genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) and a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Investigating generational trends in DS is crucial for understanding disease progression and support needs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess if generational changes have influenced the severity of ID and independence in individuals with DS.
  • To determine if generational factors have impacted the age of AD diagnosis in the DS population.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 681 asymptomatic individuals with DS to evaluate generational effects on ID, functionality, and cognition.
  • Comparison of clinical AD diagnosis age by ID severity in 353 DS individuals.
  • Examination of dementia diagnosis age through a meta-analysis of existing studies.

Main Results:

  • A generational shift indicates a higher prevalence of mild/moderate ID, improved intelligence, and greater autonomy among individuals with DS.
  • No correlation was found between ID severity and the age of AD onset within the studied cohort.
  • Generational delays in AD diagnosis were not observed over the past 35 years.

Conclusions:

  • Significant generational improvements in ID severity and autonomy are evident in Down syndrome.
  • Despite these advancements, the age of Alzheimer's disease dementia diagnosis in DS remains unaffected by generational factors.
  • Further research into cognitive reserve may elucidate potential delays in AD onset in DS.