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Aging in adults with Down syndrome: report from a longitudinal study
D B Burt1, K A Loveland, Y W Chen
1University of Texas Medical School at Houston, USA.
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Adults with Down syndrome showed minimal age-related functioning changes. Intellectual level, not age, significantly impacted performance, suggesting aging effects are not rapid in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Developmental Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with intellectual disability and potential early-onset dementia.
- Understanding age-related changes in functioning is crucial for individuals with Down syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age-related changes in functioning in adults with Down syndrome.
- To investigate the influence of age, IQ, and gender on functioning over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking functioning in 34 adults with Down syndrome (ages 22-56).
- Analysis considered age at entry, IQ at entry, and gender over a 3-4 year period.
Main Results:
- No significant effects of age at entry or time on functioning were observed.
- Intellectual quotient (IQ) at study entry significantly impacted all performance measures.
- Findings suggest minimal age-related declines, excluding dementia.
Conclusions:
- Aging in adults with Down syndrome appears to have minimal impact on functioning.
- Intellectual level is a critical factor when assessing functioning and aging in this population.
- Results do not support generalized rapid age-related declines, apart from specific conditions like Alzheimer's disease.