Anticholinergics, executive function, and cognitive/behavioral changes in Down syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Genetics

Background:

• Anticholinergic (AC) medication is a known risk factor for cognitive impairment in the general population.
• Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a high prevalence of dementia.
• The impact of AC medication on cognition in individuals with DS has not been previously studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between anticholinergic medication use and cognitive function in young adults with Down syndrome.
• To identify potential modifiable risk factors for cognitive deterioration in the DS population.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 108 young adults with DS (aged 18-39 years).
• Family members reported on medication use, executive function, and cognitive/behavioral changes using a dementia screener.
• Medications were assessed for anticholinergic potency using the CRIDECO Anticholinergic Load Scale (CALS).

Main Results:

• Forty percent of participants were using at least one medication with a CALS AC potency of ≥1.
• Individuals taking AC medications exhibited greater executive function difficulties.
• These individuals also showed more reported changes in cognition and behavior compared to non-users.

Conclusions:

• Anticholinergic medication use may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome.
• Further research, especially longitudinal studies including older adults with DS, is warranted.
• Identifying such risk factors is crucial for managing dementia risk in the DS population.