Alzheimer’s in Down’s Syndrome patients.

Down’s Syndrome patients over the age of 40 are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s patients have proteins from the amyloid fibrils that are dispositioned within the brain. Down’s Syndrome patients have this dispositioning occurring earlier in life, this therefore leads to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s in Down’s Syndrome patients. (3) 85% of patients with Alzheimer’s over the age of 45 are more likely to develop seizures. (4)

Mental Health

Those who suffer from Down syndrome and their careers have an increased risk of developing depression. Depression is defined by the World Health Organisation as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

Down syndrome patients, due to basic biological symptoms combined with the everyday challenges, can struggle with depression compared to non-down patients. Stress can cause low self esteem, mood and emotional problems.

Parenting can be difficult, parents of down syndrome may choose to spend more time with the down syndrome child due to their specific needs. If parents reduced or quit their work to spend more time at home this may have an impact on their social life combined with increased parenting demands and stress can also lead to depression. There is some evidence to suggest that siblings of down children may also be affected. (https://www.down-syndrome.org/information/family/overview/?page=3)

In order to combat depression for down syndrome patients and careers alike it is recommended to get daily exercise, talking to friends and family about problems and the positives/hopes and dreams. Eat plenty of fruit and veg, seek dietary advice if necessary to help improve a healthy balanced diet. Seek out and join help groups, thats what there for! (https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/for-families-and-carers/health-and-well-being/mental-well-being/)

Heart Defects

Unfortunately, 1 in 2 babies with down syndrome have a chance of developing a heart problem such as congenital heart disease, a common birth defect. Congenital Heart Disease can cause high blood pressure in lungs, strain on the heart and a blue-ish tint developing on skin. Surgery or medication can help along with moderate exercise.

There are a number of issues that could possibly arise from Down Syndrome. The above are the most serious, yet not very common. If they are present in a household/family member, with modern medicine, the problems can be fixed quite easily.

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