Expert: Michalene Peticca - 2/1/2008

Question
Do you have any experience with people with developmental disabilities and alzheimers.  Is their disease any different in its progression.  Are their any different things as caregivers we need to be aware of.

Answer
Hi Carla,

Thank you for writing.   I assume you are referring to Down Syndrome and the medical fact that Down Syndrome individuals "develop" Alzheimer's disease in later life.

Unfortunately, i have limited knowledge of developmental disabilities, as i have focused my learning and experience specifically on geriatrics; however, i have studied the corresponding chromosomes that are alike with Down Syndrome individuals and Alzheimer's individuals.  

My thoughts...strictly unclassified....i think working with a Down Syndrome individual in later life who develops the progressive brain deterioration of Alzheimer's disease is much more difficult to care for.  I say this because as you probably know that Alzheimer's disease is an "unraveling" of memories/learned thoughts, etc.  Therefore, a "normal" developed individual is going to be at a higher level of learned abilities than a developmentally disabled person when the disease begins; therein, i think the progression may be "faster" and more pronounced in a developmentally disabled person.

So, that being the beginning of looking at differences, i would say that when we look at a "stage progression" of Alzheimer's disease..as many medical professionals have catorgorized Alzheimer's disease progression....we must begin much FURTHER down the staging with a developmental person. You will notice more behavior and personality changes much sooner.

Try to read up on caregiving for Middle and Late Stage Alzheimer's individuals.  

I would suggest the Alzheimer's Foundation, The Alzheimer's Association and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine website.

Hope this helps!
Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, M.A.