Down's Syndrome Association

Although people with Down's syndrome (DS) are at ahigh risk of developing an Alzheimer type dementia (AD) due to atriplication of the amyloid precursor gene, there are practically no internationally available test procedures to detect cognitive deficits in this at risk population in the German language. The aim was to provide aGerman translation and intercultural adaptation of the Cambridge examination for mental disorders of older people with Down's syndrome and others with intellectual disabilities (CAMDEX-DS), which is available in English and Spanish. This instrument for diagnostics and monitoring consists of a psychological test examination (CAMCOG-DS) and a caregiver interview. The translation and adaptation of the CAMDEX-DS were achieved through amultistep translation process, whereby two independent forward and back translations were provided by professional translators and a consensus version was finalized and tested. The final version of the caregiver interview was applied to 11subjects and the CAMCOG-DS was conducted with 28patients. The German version of the CAMDEX-DS proved to be easily administered. The CAMCOG-DS could be fully administered to 21 out of 28patients (75%). The CAMCOG-DS values were much lower for older patients aged ≥45years than for younger patients (46/109 vs. 73.5/109; p = 0.033). The German version of the CAMDEX-DS provides an internationally recognized tool for the diagnostics and monitoring of cognitive decline in Down's syndrome. Furthermore, the German version can standardize medical care of these patients. In particular it provides ameans of participation in international research trials for this at risk population.

Sarah Rutter discusses some ways to help and understand a child with this condition.

Purpose of review As longevity increases worldwide, more adults with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation in the USA) can expect to live into middle and old age. They incur many of the same risks to healthy ageing experienced by their peers in the general population. In addition, older adults with intellectual disabilities are at heightened risk of certain physical and behavioural disorders. The purpose of this review is to examine research evidence about ageing and intellectual disability published in 22 articles during 2001 in order to identify implications for practice and policy. Recent findings Poverty and other regional differences help to account for a loss of functional status among older people in the general population: elderly women often have the highest burden of illness. Studies of older people with intellectual disabilities chiefly reflect populations living in more developed countries. As they age, the likelihood of placement outside the family home rises steadily. Older adults with intellectual disabilities have rates of common age-related conditions that are comparable to or higher than those of the general population. In a Finnish study, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and neoplasms were the most common causes of death. Some groups have specific vulnerabilities - for example, Alzheimer's disease has a high prevalence among older adults with Down's syndrome. Women with Down's syndrome may be at an increased risk of post-menopausal health disorders. Summary Further research is needed to explore outcomes for the health and quality of life of ageing individuals with intellectual disabilities in the context of family, community and the wider environment.