Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome

Did you know that people with Down Syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia than those without it? Approximately 50% of people with Down Syndrome aged 60+ have Alzheimer’s or dementia, compared to 10% of people without Down Syndrome aged 60+. 

However, it is more difficult to recognize Alzheimer’s or dementia in people with Down Syndrome, and as a result, those diseases are often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed among those with Down Syndrome. This is because people with Down Syndrome typically won’t self-report issues with their memory, and because the common tests for Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t take into account the existing limitations that people with Down Syndrome experience (Alzheimer’s Association).

Bridgewell works with adults with disabilities in many areas of programming including residential services. Knowing the population of adults with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s is growing, Bridgewell is changing and creating programs that focus on brain health as well as how to support, monitor and advocate for this population as they age. One home in Beverly is specifically tailored from the building design to specialized staff people who work there to support and guide people with disabilities as they age.