Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that becomes progressively worse as a person ages. It is the most common cause of dementia in the general population, as well as in people with Down syndrome.

Adults with Down syndrome are known to be at particular risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Research in this area is shedding some light on the reasons for this high risk and how to identify Alzheimer’s disease in people with intellectual disability.

It is important to be well informed about Alzheimer's disease so that we are prepared to support loved ones in the best possible ways if confronted with this challenge.

Down syndrome Victoria aim to provide the best possible information to our members, to professionals and also to the general public about Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome. With this goal in mind we have launched an information booklet called "Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease" which was produced by Down Syndrome Victoria in partnership with the Down Syndrome Australia Network, The Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria, Alzheimer's Australia and the Australian Government.

The launch of this booklet featured guest lecturer Diana Kerr who is a prominent expert in the field of dementia and learning disabilities. Diana is a fellow at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships at the University of Edinburgh. The following links are to the notes from Diana's lecture at the book launch: Meeting the Needs Responding to the Pain