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A five year follow-up study of dementia in persons with Down's syndrome: early symptoms and patterns of deterioration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Mary P Cosgrave ,
Janette Tyrrell ,
Mary McCarron ,
Michael Gill  and
Brian A Lawlor
Mary P Cosgrave
Affiliation:
North Eastern Health Board, Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Services, Cavan General Hospital, Cavan, Ireland
Janette Tyrrell
Affiliation:
Eastern Health Board, St Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin 3, Ireland
Brian A Lawlor
Affiliation:
University of Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the development of dementia over a five year follow up period in a population of females with Down's syndrome; to examine age at onset and duration of dementia in the population; to document the clinical features of dementia and to highlight scores on functional and cognitive rating scales at diagnosis of dementia and at the onset of complete dependency.

Method: A five year follow-up study of 80 female subjects on prevalence of dementia, early clinical features of dementia and patterns of scoring on rating scales at diagnosis and end-stage dementia was completed. Results: Over the five year study period the number of subjects diagnosed with dementia rose from seven (8.75%) to 35 (43.75%). Age related prevalence figures showed that dementia was more common with increasing age. The earliest recognisable symptoms of dementia were memory loss, spatial disorientation and loss of independence especially in the area of personal hygiene. These findings were confirmed by the rating scales used in the study.

Conclusions: The earliest recognisable clinical features of dementia include memory loss and increased dependency. The results of this study should facilitate earlier diagnosis of dementia in DS.

Keywords

DementiaDown's syndrome
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 17 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 5 - 11
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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