Cognition, Aging, and the Development of Dementia in Down Syndrome

Abstract

Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability, and recent national prevalence estimates indicate that there are 11.8–14.47 per 10,000 live births in the United States with DS. Furthermore, the World Health Organization estimates for DS range between 10 and 11 per 10,000 live births worldwide. This chapter discusses DS as it affects intellectual and cognitive development and magnifies issues of cognitive brain aging. DS has been linked to dementia. The neurological, biomarker, behavioral, and physical manifestations, and their potentially moderating effects on cognitive functioning of individuals with DS, are described. Proposed mechanisms of action between DS and Alzheimer’s disease and suggestions for intervention and future treatments are discussed.