Behavioural disturbance in people with Down's syndrome and dementia

Behavioural disturbance associated with dementia in people with Down's syndrome has not been fully researched. This study investigated such problems in demented Down's syndrome subjects and nondemented Down's syndrome controls. Changes in mood, difficulty with communication, gait deterioration, loss of self-care skills, sleep disturbance, day-time wandering and urinary incontinence were found to be associated with dementia. Problems giving the greatest cause for concern to carers were restlessness, loss of communication skills, urinary incontinence and wandering. Care provision specifically focused on management of behavioural disturbance in individuals who develop dementia is recommended.