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Dementia in people with Down's syndrome
Author(s) -
Tyrrell Janette,
Cosgrave Mary,
McCarron Mary,
McPherson Janet,
Calvert Johnston,
Kelly Alan,
McLaughlin Martin,
Gill Michael,
Lawlor Brian. A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.502
Subject(s) - dementia , medicine , severe dementia , epilepsy , myoclonus , psychology , psychiatry , pediatrics , disease
Objectives To determine the prevalence of dementia in an Irish sample of people with Down's syndrome (DS) and to examine associated clinical characteristics of dementia in this group. Method 285 people with DS (Age 35–74 years, mean age ± SD 46.5 ± 8.2 years) were included in this cross‐sectional study. The diagnosis of dementia was made using modified DSMIV criteria. Cognitive tests used were the Down's syndrome Mental Status Examination (DSMSE), Test for Severe Impairment (TSI) and adaptive function was measured by the Daily Living Skills Questionnaire (DLSQ). Results The overall prevalence of dementia was 13.3%. The presence of dementia was associated with epilepsy, myoclonus, and head injury. The demented DS group were significantly older ( n = 38, mean age 54.7 years SD ± 7.5) than the non‐demented ( n = 246, mean age 45.6, SD ± 7.3). The TSI and DLSQ had a satisfactory spread of scores without ‘floor’ or ‘ceiling’ effects in people with moderate and severe learning disability. Median scores in demented versus the non‐demented groups were significantly different for each measure of function. Conclusions Dementia had a prevalence of 13.3% and occurred at a mean age of 54.7 years. The combination of DLSQ score, age and presence of epilepsy were found to predict presence of dementia. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.