The Double D: A Review of Dementia Symptoms in Adults with Down Syndrome and the Validity of Assessment Tools

Abstract

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder. Individuals with DS experience cognitive and functional deficits, rapid aging and have an increased risk of dementia diagnosis. Dementia results in intellectual difficulties and disturbance to memory and language. It has been reported that approximately 70% of individuals with DS will develop dementia. Due to varying cognitive abilities, concrete diagnosis is challenging. Dementia Scale for Down Syndrome, Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, and the Adaptive Behavior Scale are used for dementia diagnosis in individuals with DS. As life expectancy continues to rise and the prevalence of dementia diagnosis is increasing it is important to make early concrete diagnosis in order to provide early treatment. The purpose of this review is to determine the validity of assessment tools used for dementia diagnosis in adults with Down syndrome and recognize symptoms that may be indicators to allow for diagnosis.