Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome
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Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. [1, 2] AD is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain, strongly associated with advanced age. However, it should not be considered a part of the normal aging process. AD is characterized by a relentless progression of symptoms associated with defined neuropathologic changes.
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, develop a clinical syndrome of dementia with clinical and neuropathologic characteristics almost identical to those of AD as described in individuals without DS. [3]
DS was recognized as a unique form of developmental disability in 1866, and few years after, in 1876, early aging was already recognized. [4] Further publications confirm not only the premature aging and the clinical deterioration, but also the presence of the neuropathological changes of AD.
Accelerated aging in DS occurs in many other systems and is not limited to the central nervous system (CNS) alone. [5, 6] The recognition that DS is associated with trisomy 21 helped in the understanding of the genetic basis of this association.
The neuropathology of AD in persons with DS closely resembles that of AD in persons without DS. [7, 8, 9, 10, 11] Autopsy studies in persons with DS showed that almost all had brain lesions meeting the criteria for AD. [12, 13]
Since the neuropathology typical of AD is observed very early in the life of persons with DS, the study of this condition in persons with DS could result in knowledge that could also be useful for individuals without DS.
However, because these changes are superimposed on individuals that already have a reduced brain volume, especially in the hippocampus, and other developmental abnormalities, such as reduced dendritic arborizations, decreased number of spines, spine atrophy, and abnormalities of spine orientation in pyramidal neurons, this form of AD is not an exact biologic model or a replica of the AD seen in persons without DS. Even though conclusions from research studies may be interchangeable, AD in persons with DS should be considered a different entity from AD in persons without DS.
Clinical differences have been observed, the main one being the early age of onset of AD in individuals with DS. These patients present with clinical symptoms in their late 40s or early 50s. [14, 15, 7, 16, 17]
A recent longitudinal study [18] in which babies born with DS were followed from age 6 weeks up to age 45 years found that the mean IQ, in verbal and nonverbal tasks, changed little between ages 21 and 45 years. In this study, tests for dementia given to persons older than 30 years showed some decline in performance from age 40-45 years.
Besides age, other studies have also shown some clinical differences that might be unique to persons with DS.
One study that compared the clinical findings in persons with dementia and DS with clinical findings in persons with dementia and intellectual disabilities due to other etiologies found that patients with DS had a higher prevalence of mood changes, over activity, auditory hallucinations, and disturbed sleep, as well as less aggression. [19, 20, 21] .
Temple and Konstantareas found that persons with DS and AD have less severe psychotic behaviors, fewer hallucinations, and fewer delusions and were more likely to engage in physical movements than those with AD only. In this study, 66% of the persons with AD and no DS were taking rivastigmine or donepezil, and only 26% of persons with AD and DS were on those medications. The differences observed might have been related more to the use of the medications than to the disease itself. [22]
Because no treatment is available for the primary disease, prognosis is poor. AD is responsible for the sharp decline in survival in persons with DS older than 45 years. Only about 25% of persons with DS live more than 60 years, and most of those have AD.
The reason why Alzheimer disease (AD) is more frequent in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is not known. All recognized mutations for AD are associated with increased deposition of amyloid beta (Abeta), a peptide fragment comprising 39-43 amino acids that derives from the catabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) molecule. The discovery that the APP gene is on the 21st chromosome [23] led to the hypothesis that the early and universal development of AD pathology is due to a third copy of the APP gene. Nonetheless, many steps in the amyloid cascade hypothesis remain unproven.
The Abeta peptide has been found in the brains of children with DS as young as 8 years, and the deposits increase with age. Interestingly, despite the extensive deposits in the brain, there is no linear correlation with AD. There is a gap between the presence of abnormal brain pathology and the early signs of AD, suggesting that other factors (genetic or environmental) may play an important role in the development of AD.
Approximately 95% of individuals with DS have trisomy 21. In around 4%, there is a translocation of critical regions of chromosome 21, which are attached to chromosomes 14, 21, or 22. In a small percentage of cases (<1%), DS is the result of a mosaic with some but not all cells being trisomic. Even though there is triplication of the whole chromosome, probably only a small portion is critical for the development of the neuropathology and clinical features of DS in a complex phenotype-genotype relationship. [24]
The presence of an extra chromosome, along with the overexpression of the genes located in that chromosome, is considered the main reason for the development of the characteristic signs and symptoms of DS and probably plays an important role in the development of AD in persons with DS. Overexpression of genes with consequent increase in activity leads to increased production of end products, which can be toxic for the individual. However, determining which genes are responsible for the development of AD in DS is not easy due to the nunber of genes in chromosome 21 (233 coding genes, 299 long non-coding genes, and 29 microRNA). [25] Besides, the number of clinical expressions of a gene is dependent on several factors like the number of copies of the gene as well as the environmental context. [26] These variations in the expression of the genes’ activities in the development of AD in DS may explain the variations in the development of neuropathology and dementia in DS.
Several genes that might play a role in the development of AD are found in chromosome 21. Among them are the APP and cytoplasmic enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) genes, both of which are important in the regulation of potential toxic metabolites, the reactive oxygen species (ROSs), which are the result of the normal metabolism of O2. These ROSs include free radicals (superoxide anions, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical) and other non radical metabolites (eg, hydrogen peroxide), among others. The accumulation of ROSs may result in cell death. [27, 5]
The excess activity of SOD-1 in a variety of cells is not limited to the brain and has also been observed in erythrocytes, B cells, T cells, and fibroblasts. This increased activity results in the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2), which may reach toxic levels and may be related not only to the neuronal death observed in DS but also to carcinogenesis and the impairment of immune functions.
In most instances, trisomy 21, the result of a failure of the pair of chromosomes to separate, is of maternal orgin. Interestingly, there is a 4x higher incidence of AD in younger mothers (<35 years) who give birth to a child with DS compared with mothers >35 years. This pattern was not seen in the fathers, and it is not seen in parents of children with other intellectual disabilities. [28]
Case studies of adults with DS and atypical karyotypes, including translocations, partial trisomies, and varying degrees of mosaicism, showed an association with improved survival and decreased risk of AD when the atypical karyotype is associated with a reduction of the APP gene dose. [29]
AD seems to occur more frequently in women than in men. However, this issue is not well studied in persons with DS, but some studies indeed suggest that this might also be the case in females with DS, suggesting that reductions in estrogen following menopause can contribute to the cascade of pathological processes leading to AD. [30]
The over expression of the APP gene might be related to the overproduction of the major protein observed in the senile plaque, the Abeta (1-42) peptide, which is considered to be one of the important factors leading to the development of the pathology of DS with AD. Abeta peptide is generated by the cleavage of the APP by beta and gamma secretase enzymes.
In addition, and supporting the role of APP triplication, a normal extra copy of APP, in the absence of trisomy 21, is associated with a rare, early form of familial AD (the dup-APP). In this condition, the triplication present varies in size but the presence of only one APP triplication is enough for the development of the syndrome, which is very similar in terms of clinical presentation and pathology, barring a few differences, to AD in DS. [31]
Duplication of APP, but not the prion protein (PRNP) gene, is a significant cause of early-onset dementia according to a large UK series. [32]
APP locus duplication causes autosomal dominant early-onset Alzheimer disease with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. [33] APP may be active early in life since there are reports of increased deposits of Abeta 42 amyloid in the brain of fetuses with trisomy 21, [34] but the significant accumulation does not occur until the second or third decade, suggesting that maybe there is a more efficient clearance mechanism in early life. Certainly, further studies on the role of APP as well as other factors that modulate APP expression would enhance our understanding of AD in DS and non-DS populations. [35]
Beta site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), the most important beta secretase in vivo, is elevated in persons with DS and may also play a role in the accumulation of beta-amyloid. [36]
Another important factor cold be the apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon 4 allele, which is also associated with a higher deposition of beta-amyloid as well as higher risk and early onset of AD in DS. However, the APOE epsilon 2 allele may play a protective role since it is associated with a decrease in amyloid deposition.
This intracellular protein, which is found in the nuerofibrillary tangles (NFT), is also regulated by genes in chromosome 21. The overexpression of these genes may explain the increase in tau protein found in the cortex of persons with DS. [37]
Higher levels of total cholesterol might be associated with increased risk of AD in DS mostly in the presence of APOE epsilon 4. The lipid transporter ATP-binding cassette G1(ABCG1) present in chromosome 21 may be related to the development of AD in DS. If this is true, statins may be useful in the prevention of AD in DS.
The effect of total cholesterol and statins was evaluated in 123 Caucasian adults with DS. [38] In this study, participants with TC > or = 200mg/dL had twice as much risk of developing AD than subjects with lower TC. However, in those individuals taking statins, the risk of developing AD was less than half that of participants with the same higher TC levels who did not use statins. This result suggests a beneficial effect of statins, however, at the present time there is not enough information to suggest the use of statins for the prevention of AD in persons with DS. [39]
The gene regulating the apolipoprotein E is considered an important risk factor in the presence of AD in persons without DS. This gene, which has 3 variants (epsilon 2, epsilon 3, epsilon 4), is involved in several functions including cholesterol transport, lipid metabolism, and metabolism of beta-amyloid protein in the brain.
In patients without DS, the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with increased risk of AD, and the epsilon e2 allele may be protective. [40, 41, 42] Among patients with DS, several studies have demonstrated that the epsilon e2 allele may be protective. Data suggesting that the e4 allele increases risk in patients with DS are less compelling than the data supporting increased risk for patients without DS. [43]
The accumulation of ROSs, a result of mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs in persons with DS, leads to abnormal lipid peroxidation metabolism that could lead to structural damage to membranes and the generation to more toxic products. ROS-related activity also leads to DNA damage.
All these findings lead to the concept that oxidative stress, defined as the lack of balance between the production and the removal of ROSs, might play an important role in the development of AD in persons with DS; however, oxidative stress alone does not explain the whole process. [27]
The corollary of this theory was the use of antioxidants as a therapeutic tool in the treatment and prevention of AD and of AD in DS. However, this therapy proved to be ineffective. [44]
An alternative hypothesis for the amyloid cascade suggests that increased oxidative stress, secondary to pathogenic factors, increase Abeta, which behaves as a redox sensor. In this alternative hypothesis, Abeta acting as a redox sensor attenuates oxidative stress. If this proves to be true, then oxidative-induced Abeta might be a brain protector. [45]
Several studies have shown anatomic and chemical differences between the brains of persons with DS and the brains of persons without DS. [46, 43] Postmortem examinations showed indications of growth retardation in the brains of persons with DS. Among other differences, the brains of persons with DS showed lower weight, reduced number and depth of cerebral sulci, narrowness of the superior temporal gyrus, and a smaller cerebellum and frontal and temporal lobes. [47]
Microscopic studies have shown the presence of developmental abnormalities, such as reduced dendritic arborizations and abnormalities in the size and orientation of spines in pyramidal neurons. These abnormalities have been seen in infancy and even in fetal life. [11, 48] These early changes might contribute to the early onset of AD in persons with DS. In that sense, AD in persons with DS is not a perfect model for the understanding of AD in persons without DS.
Several genes in chromosome 21 play an important role in the neurodevelopment of the brain and may be responsible for the abnormalities observed in DS. However, how these changes result in AD in DS is not clear at the present time.
Epidemiologic and brain imaging studies of patients with AD without DS have led to observations that patients with limited education or diminished baseline cognitive abilities are at increased risk for AD. These data have led to the cognitive reserve hypothesis, which suggests that patients with better baseline cognitive abilities can tolerate more AD pathology and neuronal loss than patients with worse baseline cognitive abilities. Because most patients with DS have mental retardation and limited baseline cognitive ability, the cognitive reserve hypothesis would suggest that patients with DS are at increased risk for developing AD.
Originally, this was mostly a quantitative concept. In a simple way, having more neurons with more connections, for example, will allow the individual to tolerate more brain pathology before showing symptoms. A more modern explanation of the concept of cognitive reserve suggests that the presence of higher cognitive abilities allows the brain to have a better compensatory system. In that sense, the cognitive reserve is more related to brain function than size or number of neurons. [49]
Studies in persons with AD but not DS suggest that the risk of AD is 2.2 times higher in individuals with less than 8 years of education as well as for those working occupations that require lower skill level. Interestingly enough, the same studies also suggest that in those with supposedly higher cognitive reserve when the disease starts, the decline is faster. [49]
Following this line of reasoning, we could assume that people with DS who function at a lower cognitive level should have a higher risk for AD. However, at the present time there is no evidence supporting this assumption, and in fact there is some evidence against it. [50]
Several studies document that most, if not all, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer disease (AD). [16, 17] This is unrelated to the degree of mental retardation. As a result of better clinical management, persons with DS currently often reach age 50 years. In the 1920s, the life span of children born with DS was 9 years, in the 1960s it increased to 30 years, and in 1993 it reached 55 years. [51, 52] In 1996, it was reported that in California the life expectancy of a 1-year-old child with DS and profound mental retardation was 43 years and increased to 55 years in those with mild-to-moderate degree of mental retardation. [53] In the author’s experience at Wrentham Developmental Center, a facility for persons with intellectual and developmental disability, the average age of persons with DS at the time of death was 61 years. (range, 47-70 y). Thus, a strong trend is that the frequency of persons with DS and AD is likely to increase.
Fortunately in the last 2 decades, the special needs of elderly people with developmental delay, and especially those with DS, has gained recognition. Even though early workers in the field presented the issue of aging in developmental delay in the 1960s, [54] the first full session on “The Aging Mentally Retarded” was presented at the 12th Congress on Gerontology, in Germany, in 1981. [55]
Age and the presence of trisomy 21 are the most important factors in disease development. Neuropathologic findings related to AD have been described in all DS individuals older than 35 years. Early clinical signs and symptoms are observed at the end of the fifth decade to the beginning of the sixth decade of life. Mean age at the time of clinical diagnosis is 51 ± 6 years. Most persons with DS may develop AD by age 60-70 years; however, some may remain free of clinical indications of dementia into the late 70s. [5] Several studies described a subset of individuals with full trisomy 21 who do not appear to develop AD, even in old age. [56, 57]
The percentage of people with DS and AD varies in some of the epidemiologic studies presented. A review of these studies showed that 10-25% of patients had AD when aged 40-49 years, 20-50% had AD when aged 50-59 years, and 60-75% had AD when older than 60 years. In one study, all patients with DS who were older than 70 years had AD. [17]
It is not clear if dementia is more common in persons with developmental disability when individuals with DS are excluded. A longitudinal study by Strydom et al [58] evaluated the incidence of dementia in 222 adults older than 60 years (mean age, 68.8 y; standard deviation, SD 7.5; range, 60-94 y) with developmental disabilities but excluding individuals with DS. In this study, the incidence of dementia was 5 times higher than in individuals without developmental disability. Other studies in non-DS developmental disability are also in agreement regarding higher incidence of dementia in person with developmental disability. [59, 60]
However, other reports that also excluded persons with DS do not find differences. [61, 62] In addition, when persons with DS were excluded, [63] 1994 autopsy findings in individuals with intellectual disability confirmed that the incidence of AD is the same as in individuals without intellectual disability.
In summary, these and other epidemiological studies indicate that the high frequency of AD in persons with DS is unique, not related to the developmental disability but related to the cause of the DS and most likely related to the presence of an extra chromosome 21.
No particular geographic distribution exists; a similar clinical picture has been described in other countries. No documentation exists that race influences prevalence.
In patients without DS, the influence of sex on the incidence and prevalence of AD remains controversial. Some, but not all, studies suggest that the prevalence is higher in women than in men. Few studies have evaluated the influence of sex on AD in patients with DS, and the results have been contradictory. [46]
There are some indications that the onset of dementia is related to early menopause in women with DS. This might suggest some role for estrogen in the development of AD in women with DS; however, this possibility is not a sufficient reason to suggest hormone therapy in this population. [20, 64, 65] There is also an indication that men with DS have an earlier onset of AD than women with DS do [5] ; this suggests that other associated hormonal changes might also be important.
This progressive neurodegenerative disorder affects multiple components of the central nervous system (CNS). The clinical signs and symptoms are an expression of continuous progressive neuronal dysfunction and death. [57, 66, 67]
One of the most sensitive and specific symptoms of Alzheimer disease (AD) in people without Down syndrome (DS) is a decline in the patient’s ability to perform cognitive tasks related to employment, shopping, or household finance. When individuals with DS are employed or performing complex tasks with a certain degree of personal autonomy, noticing early signs of the disease might not be difficult. Because most individuals with DS have mental retardation, a history of decline in high-level premorbid cognitive abilities is usually difficult to document. For this reason, on average, approximately 1-2 years elapse between the early signs of the disease and the confirmation of the diagnosis. [15, 46]
In the author’s research, typically the first symptoms, most often identified retrospectively, are observed when the patient is aged 50 years (range, 36-62.5 y) and the diagnosis is confirmed at age 52.6 years (range, 37-62 y). Others have reported early signs of intellectual deterioration occurring in patients in their 40s. [68] Death occurs at a mean age of 60.11 years (range, 46.7-69.8 y). The author’s research has also shown that the duration of the disorder from first symptoms to death is 9.10 years (range, 6.9-11.10 y), and the duration from diagnosis to death is 8.2 years (range, 5-12.4 y).
The main symptoms are confusion, disorientation, and wandering. In most instances, these early signs are not recognized and commonly are misdiagnosed.
Longitudinal studies showed progressive cognitive decline and subtle memory loss as early symptoms, which are associated with deficits in visuospatial organization. [66, 67] . For example, a modified version of the Cued Recall Test [66] showed a high degree of sensitivity (94.7%) and specificity (93.9%) and a high positive predictive value for AD in DS (81.9%).
Behavioral changes include the following:
Deficits and variability in tests of selective attention (ie, the ability to stay focused on a particular stimulus, disregarding other stimuli) might be a subtle early sign of AD that can be documented by a relatively easy test. [69]
In the early stage of the disease, behavioral changes are the most common sign; these changes are usually considered an exaggeration of long-standing behavioral traits (eg, refusal to follow certain orders or to do chores at home may be perceived as stubbornness)
Because the early changes are subtle, only those familiar with the individual would be able to recognize them (such changes include change in daily routine, change in sleeping or eating habits, inability to make clothing decisions, getting lost in familiar environments, and inability to remember the names of familiar people); one of the potential early signs of AD in highly functional DS individuals is the inability to perform job duties
As the disease progresses, there is an increase in maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, unjustified fears, sleep problems, and social inadequate behaviors [70]
Visual deficiencies include the following:
Impairment in visual perception as a consequence of central processing dysfunction has been described in the early stage of AD in individuals with DS who have a relatively high level of intelligence
Central processing dysfunction is more difficult to delineate in patients with DS who have severe mental retardation
These central changes are magnified by peripheral visual disorders (eg, cataracts, myopia, astigmatism), which are frequently present in people with DS
The visual deficiencies may be responsible for individuals getting lost in familiar environments, not being able to perform activities that require visuo motor coordination, increased frequency of accidents and falls, and difficulty in learning new tasks
Impaired learning ability is usually present in the early stages of the disease but is difficult to demonstrate in people with a moderate or more severe degree of mental retardation.
Other indications of early deterioration include loss of language and other communication skills, impairment of social and adaptive skills, and progressive loss of activities of daily living (ADLs) (eg, personal hygiene, dining skills, and bathroom skills).
In the middle stage, the ability to perform ADLs markedly deteriorates. The patient may depend totally on others for activities such as dressing, eating, walking, and toilet needs. Communication skills are also reduced markedly; speech and language, if present, are not used efficiently. Behavioral problems are exaggerated, psychotic behavior may be displayed, and social activities are reduced to a minimum.
In the advanced stage, patients are almost at a vegetative level, being totally dependent on others and interacting minimally with the environment.
Motor disorders become obvious in the middle and advanced stage of the disease. They include a progressive gait disorder and, in some patients, a parkinsonian syndrome. In very advanced stages, the patient is confined to bed with marked rigidity and little voluntary movement.
Eating disorders with progressive dysphagia and frequent choking may be observed at the beginning of the disease but are more obvious in the middle stage. [71] Aspiration pneumonia is a frequent complication. Changes in the diet and type of food may help ameliorate the dysphagia, but in some patients, during the course of the disease, gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes may have to be placed to permit enteral feeding.
In the author’s research, epileptic seizures of the tonic-clonic type have been described. These occur approximately 2.4 years (range, 7 mo to 6.1 y) after the disease presents. Usually, generalized tonic-clonic seizures are infrequent; if present, they can typically be controlled with antiepileptic medication.
Myoclonic seizures occur more frequently than tonic-clonic seizures. The myoclonus may be stimulus-sensitive and can be induced by light or a simple touch. In the advanced stages, myoclonic seizures may be constantly present. This has been described as late-onset myoclonic epilepsy in DS [72] or senile myoclonic epilepsy. [73]
The following information, which is from the author’s personal experience with institutionalized DS individuals, may help those who plan services for individuals with DS and AD:
Communication/speech disorder – Early indication of the impairment was observed after an average of 1.4 years (range, 0-4 y; 0 implies the presence of symptoms at the time of first evaluation), and total loss of function occurred approximately 4.5 years (range, 2.5-6.8 y) after confirmation of diagnosis
ADLs – Early indication of failure was observed at an average of 5 months (range, 0-1.8 y), and total loss of function occurred 4.5 years (range, 1.5-6.5 y) after confirmation of the diagnosis
Ambulation – Early signs of deterioration were observed after 1.1 years (range, 0-3.7 y), and total loss of ambulation occurred 4.6 years (range, 2.5-7.4 y) after confirmation of the diagnosis
Leisure activities – Early indications of deterioration were observed after 10 months (range 0-2.9 y), and total loss of the ability to participate in leisure activities was seen after an average of 4.1 years (range 1.5-6.5 y).
A male born in 1930 was admitted to an institution for individuals with mental retardation in 1939. He died in the institution in 1991, and diagnosis of DS was confirmed by chromosomal analysis. The following is the author’s account of disease evolution in this individual, who was observed from disease onset, and demonstrates the complexity of the medical issues involved.
Clinical presentation before the beginning of AD was as follows:
Patient had no behavioral problems and was pleasant and congenial
Patient followed simple commands and understood simple orders
Patient walked independently and also was independent in ADLs
Patient consumed a normal diet
Patient performed housework and showered well
Patient had good leisure skills and an active social program, participated in dances and outdoor trips, and sang with the radio
Patient understood that he had to leave the building when a fire alarm sounded
Patient’s score on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale in 1975, at the age of 45 years, was 4.9 years; this remained the same when he was aged 49 years
The following is a yearly description of the patient’s symptoms as he developed AD:
1981 (51 y) – The patient’s first symptoms were disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes; he refused to accept that the program activity in which he was involved was over; he refused to return to his residence; he was found wandering the grounds crying and yelling in a state of confusion
1982 (52 y) – The patient showed increased forgetfulness and had emotional problems and periods of agitation manifested by verbal outbursts and throwing of objects
1983 (53 y) – The patient needed consistent prompting to perform ADLs; he was still capable of showering and changing clothes daily; leisure skills were unchanged; he exhibited 3 incidents of major aggression and agitation; his score on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale decreased to 3 years
1984 (54 y) – The patient demonstrated poor participation in social activities as a consequence of frequent sleeping; ADLs required increased assistance, although he remained independent; a choking episode was observed
1985 (55 y) – Regression steadily continued; disorientation, confusion, wandering, forgetfulness, and sleeping increased; the patient’s behavior deteriorated; he would undress in the dining room and at work; ADLs also regressed, and he needed more help though remaining independent; he frequently was found wandering outside his residence and unable to find his way; occasionally, he could not find his bedroom; the score on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale decreased to 2.1 years
1986 (56 y) – The patient exhibited photomyoclonic response; he had myoclonic seizures and difficulty walking; ADLs regressed further; he still could eat and drink but had to be reminded constantly to do so; he was transferred to a safer and more restrictive environment
1987 (57 y) – Generalized tonic-clonic seizures appeared; the patient became aggressive, and his gait deteriorated markedly, though he was still able to walk; he occasionally needed a wheelchair; he fed himself using adaptive equipment; toilet training was scheduled, but a few accidents occurred
1988 (58 y) – The patient became lethargic; inappropriate behavior became frequent; he no longer was able to walk independently or feed himself; he frequently lost sphincter control; he could not tolerate bus rides into the community; he still enjoyed music and expressed pleasure by smiling and laughing
1989 (59 y) – The patient developed aspiration pneumonia; he was totally dependent for ADLs; he required a wheelchair, and his social interaction became very poor; he developed urinary incontinence
1990 (60 y) – The patient suffered from frequent bouts of pneumonia; he no longer was able to swallow and was fed through a naso gastric tube; a feeding tube (percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy) was placed; incontinence necessitated the use of diapers; he had minimal interaction with his surroundings and slept most of the time; occasionally, he conveyed pleasure and displeasure by laughing or crying
1991 (61 y) – The patient showed minimal response to environmental stimulation and slept most of the time
For patients with or without Down syndrome (DS), age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD) (see also Risk Factors). A few case studies suggest that persons with DS and atypical karyotypes (eg, partial trisomies, mosaicism, or translocations) may have a lower risk of AD than patients with full trisomy. [40] Other chromosome 21 genes, such as the gene coding for superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), may be involved. The increased activity of this enzyme may result in increased production of hydroxy radicals, which may accelerate disease progression. SOD-1 activity has been reported to be increased in people with DS. [43]
Small head circumference, a small brain, a low level of intelligence, and a history of head trauma have also been related to a higher incidence of AD. However, none of these factors has been evaluated in individuals with DS.
Factors that may decrease (eg, a Mediterranean diet or an active life style) or increase (eg, cardiac and cerebro vascular disease or a small head circumference) the risk of AD in patients without DS have not been fully evaluated in patients with DS. [74, 75, 76]
Risk factors for sporadic and autosomal dominant AD are discussed in greater detail elsewhere (see Alzheimer Disease).
The differential diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) in patients with Down syndrome (DS) includes the following:
Cortical Basal Ganglionic Degeneration
Dementia in Motor Neuron Disease
Frontal and Temporal Lobe Dementia
HIV-1 Associated CNS Complications (Overview)
The term mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is used to describe a state of cognitive decline representing a transition between normal cognition and dementia. This state is characterized by impairment in memory and other cognitive functions as demonstrated by standardized neuropsychological tests. A substantial percentage of patients with the amnestic form of MCI progress to AD within 4 years of diagnosis. The lack of adequate normative data for memory in DS in different age groups makes the concept of MCI impossible to operationalize in individuals with DS.
The term pseudodementia is used to describe reversible cognitive impairment associated with psychiatric disease—usually depression. With treatment and amelioration of the psychiatric disease, cognition returns to baseline. In patients without DS, many patients who develop AD have symptoms of depression in the early stages of disease, and the depression itself can impair cognitive function.
Treatment of the depression (usually with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]) often improves mood and sometimes cognition. However, over the following 24-36 months, progressive cognitive impairment, not necessarily accompanied by mood disturbances, becomes clear. Data are not available on depression in patients with DS and AD.
Hypothyroidism, observed in almost 30% of individuals with DS, may simulate dementia. Hypothyroidism is frequently present in people with DS and AD; however, treatment with hormone replacement does not change the course of the underlying disease.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been reported in several individuals with DS and AD; however, replacement therapy does not change the evolution of the underlying disease.
Persons with AD and DS present with a higher number of health comorbidities than individuals with DS who do not have AD. The frequency of comorbidities increases as the AD becomes more severe. Among the comorbidities expected are epileptic seizures, lung diseases (mostly aspiration pneumonias), depression, visual and hearing impairment, lack of mobility, and tube feedings.
Other problems to be considered include the following:
Depression and other psychiatric disorders
Dementia in Parkinson disease
Dementia in progressive supranuclear palsy
Multi-infarct dementia
Imaging studies are useful for excluding other causes of dementia, including subdural collections, tumors, and multiple infarcts. Once the diagnosis is established, repeat imaging is indicated when the course of progression is not consistent with AD (eg, when very rapid deterioration is observed). The dementia screening tests marketed to consumers are of questionable usefulness in persons without DS and of no value in patients with DS. [77]
The workup for Alzheimer disease (AD) in patients with Down syndrome (DS) is no different from that recommended for patients with dementia who do not have DS. Excluding treatable forms of dementia is important.
Laboratory studies include the following:
Liver function tests
Renal function tests
Electrolytes
Blood glucose
Complete blood count (CBC)
Folic acid
Vitamin B-12
Possibly tests for syphilis and HIV (among patients without DS, these tests are not recommended as part of routine evaluation and should be ordered only when clinically indicated)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T-4) levels (these are likely to be abnormal because of the high incidence of immune-dependent hypothyroidism in patients with DS) [78]
Although the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with an increased risk of AD, its use as a diagnostic tool in patients without DS is generally not recommended. At present, there is no role for this testing in patients with DS.
Lumbar puncture is indicated in the evaluation of dementia without DS when conditions that could be diagnosed by examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), such as fungal meningitis are reasonable diagnostic possibilities. Most of the time, such conditions are so unlikely that lumbar puncture is rarely performed as part of routine medical care in the evaluation of dementia. These same criteria should be used when lumbar puncture is considered in patients with dementia and DS. (see Biomarkers).
MRI/CT scan are almost always indicated in the diagnostic workup of persons with dementia, mostly to rule out other pathologies. In spite of all the advances in neuroradiology testing, the radiological evaluation of the brain is still not enough to diagnose AD. However, important useful information is provided by the new advances in neuroradiology.
Biomarkers, physical signs or lab tests consistently associated with a particular disease, are useful for confirming diagnosis, monitoring the disease, evaluating treatment efficacy, and facilitating early intervention to delay disease progression. Unfortunately, at the present time there are no reliable biomarkers useful in diagnosing AD and DS, nor are there good predictors of disease progression or treatment response. However, potential biomarkers have been and continue to be investigated.
Tau protein and beta-amyloid(1-42) (Abeta42) peptide levels in CSF might help differentiate AD from other dementias. Low Abeta42 and high tau protein levels might be associated with a higher risk of AD. [79, 80]
Abeta42, total tau protein, and tau phosphorylated at position threonine 181 (P-tau) levels in CSF have sensitivity and specificity enough to allow identification of AD compared with cognitively normal elderly persons. In addition, these biomarkers can recognize patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who progressed to AD and those who did not. However, performing the lumbar puncture required, which may need to be done several times in order to monitor the improvement of a potential treatment, limited the utility of these markers as front-line screeners.
Plasma levels of beta-amyloid(1-42) (Abeta42) were found to be higher in persons with DS and dementia than in persons with DS and no AD. [5] Also, higher levels of Abeta42 peptide in nondemented persons with DS were also predictors of dementia and increased mortality. Beta-amyloid 1-40 did not show any correlation. [81] At present, they are not considered to be routinely indicated for the evaluation of persons with DS and potential AD. [80]
Blood biomarkers might be more efficient and cost-effective than CSF biomarkers or radiological tests. However, there are several difficulties in finding the more appropriate ones. [82]
Telomeres are sequencing of DNA at the end of the chromosome that get shorter with the division of the cell and, indirectly, are a measure of cell aging. Shortening of the telmore has been reported in AD patients without DS. Similar association has been reported in persons with DS and dementia. [83] Telomere shortening may be a biological marker of dementia status, but more research is needed.
Studies that used computed tomography (CT) to compare young individuals who had Down syndrome (DS) (19-34 y) with a comparable group of healthy individuals who did not have mental retardation found no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to white- or gray-matter volumes or ventricular volumes. [84]
Quantitative studies with CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated that young adults with DS have no ventricular dilatation, no atrophy, and no consistent malformation that could explain the mental retardation. However, small brain size was reported consistently. This is probably an expression of small stature and a small cranial vault. [84]
Bilateral symmetric basal ganglia calcification is a frequent finding in people with DS (see the images below); in fact, it is more prevalent in this population than in the general population. However, its relationship with the clinical presentation of Alzheimer disease (AD) in DS is unclear.
The results were different when people with DS and cognitive deficiencies were compared with individuals who did not have cognitive deficiencies. In individuals with DS and cognitive deficiencies, cerebral atrophy and ventricular enlargement that suggested brain atrophy were reported consistently (see the images below).
In advanced cases, atrophy was generalized. However, regional differences can exist with greater involvement of the temporal horns. The relation between enlargement of the temporal horns of the lateral ventricles and dementia in elderly DS patients has been a consistent feature.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have documented several developmental findings in persons with Down syndrome (DS), including the following:
Reduction in the whole brain volume (including cerebellum) and in the gray and white matter of the brain
Reduction in the volume of the hippocampus,
Focal reductions in the volume of the frontal and occipital lobes
Relative preservation of the temporal lobe with decreased volume of the planumtemporale and the superior temporal gyrus
MRI studies might show a decrease in the volume structures of the temporal lobe (eg, the hippocampus and the adjacent medial temporal lobe) in patients with DS who do not have dementia. Significant atrophy of the corpus callosum, an indication of neocortical atrophy (more obvious in the splenium), has also been demonstrated in persons with DS before the development of Alzheimer disease (AD).
MRI findings in symptomatic individuals are similar to those of computed tomography (CT) and reveal progressive atrophy of the brain with enlargement of the ventricular system.
MRI volumetric analysis of selective areas of the brain involving 19 adults with DS and AD and 39 adults with DS without AD found smaller volumes bilaterally in the hippocampus and caudate, right amygdala, and putamen and a larger volume of left peripheral CSF in individuals with DS and AD. This study suggests that significant reduction in medial temporal and striated volume reductions may be a reliable marker of AD in persons with DS. [85] However, age-related reduced volume in frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, as well as an increased volume of peripheral CSF, have also been described in individuals with DS without clinical indications of dementia. [86]
These observations are in agreement with prior studies reporting cerebral atrophy and ventricular enlargement, suggesting brain atrophy, in individuals with DS when cognitive deficiencies were present, [84] or when regional differences with more involvement of the temporal horns were reported. [87]
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive in vivo method that evaluates the microstructural properties of white matter (WM) by measuring the rate and direction of diffusion of water molecules in the neural tissue. DTI has been used extensively to study both brain aging and disease states such as AD.
Fractional anisotropy (FA) measures white matter changes and is expressed as 0, representing poor white matter integrity, or 1, representing good white matter integrity. A study involving 25 individuals with DS, 10 of whom had AD, showed lower FA values, mostly in circuits involving the frontal lobe, in adults with DS compared with controls. In these individuals, the abnormalities in the white matter were also associated with decreased performance in frontal executive functions but not with cognitive decline. [88] These findings may help us understand why frontal-dependent behavioral and executive function changes are among the earliest signs of AD.
The summary of these observations is that CT/MRI studies in individuals with AD and DS consistently demonstrate abnormalities, even in the early stages of the disease; however, this might not be enough to establish the diagnosis of dementia, and clinical correlation is always needed. Serial CTs and or MRIs might be needed to differentiate older persons with DS who have dementia from those who do not.
In addition, CT/MRI is very useful to rule out other causes of neurological deterioration.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is not considered a routine test for Alzheimer disease (AD) in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Schapiro et al found that PET did not demonstrate any difference between healthy people with DS and individuals without mental retardation. [89]
Studies with xenon-133 inhalation technique, which evaluates cortical cerebral blood flow, showed no abnormalities in young, healthy people with DS. Significant differences were observed in individuals with DS and dementia; the greatest reduction occurred in the parietal-temporal association neocortex. [84]
In addition, errors in the interpretation of PET scans do occur, with a tendency to overdiagnose dementia. [90]
Even though there are limitations in the use of this technique, amyloid PET imaging offers a quantitative and qualitative method to measure β-amyloid deposition in the brain. Deposition of β-amyloid has been reported in studies using carbon 11-labeled Pittsburgh Compound B ([(11)C]PiB), [18F] florbetapir, and [18F] florbetaben PET imaging. [91, 92, 93, 94, 95]
These studies, in general, are in agreement that there is an increase of β-amyloid in the brain that is age correlated and preceeds the development of cognitive changes by many years. The usefulness of these studies in diagnosing AD is questionable since findings are also present in non-demented individuals. However, in the event of the development of anti-amyloid treatments these tests might prove to be useful.
Patients with DS have a high baseline prevalence of seizures, and the prevalence increases further as patients develop AD. It is prudent to obtain an electroencephalogram (EEG) in the baseline evaluation of a patient with DS and dementia. However, this test does not help to diagnose dementia, since no specific patterns correlate with dementia. There is deterioration in the background activities as the dementia progresses, with increased slowing that is seen in the whole brain and loss of normal structures. In addition, at one point in the disease, the EEG may show epileptic form activity.
The diagnosis of dementia still is based primarily on clinical history and examination. Generally, the diagnostic methods used for testing persons without developmental disabilities (eg, Mini Mental Status Examination [MMSE] or similar) are unreliable for diagnosing dementia in persons with developmental disabilities. Additionally, many people with developmental disabilities cannot be evaluated by standard neuropsychologic tests.
At present, there is no universally accepted protocol for the diagnosis of AD in persons with intellectual disablity. Guidelines for the diagnosis of dementia, with an accuracy of around 90% in individuals without developmental disabilities have been published by different associations. [96, 97, 98, 99, 100] .
However, these diagnostic tests are difficult to apply in persons with developmental disabilities, and several other tests have been designed that are more appropriate. Generally, these tests emphasize a change in function as measured by a decline in activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, dressing, and bathing. [101] The use and the validity of these instruments have been extensively discussed. [102]
Some tools that have proved to be very useful [103] are the Dementia Scale for Down Syndrome (DSDS), [104, 105] which was specifically designed to be used in persons with DS, and the Dementia Questionnaire for Mentally Retarded Persons. [106]
The DSDS was developed to detect cognitive deficiencies mostly in persons at the lower end of the cognitive scale; even though the test specifically refers to DS, it could be used in any person with a moderate-to-severe degree of mental retardation. Both the DSDS and the Dementia Questionnaire for Mentally Retarded Persons are able to differentiate, with high specificity and with especially high sensitivity, between persons with DS who have AD and those who do not. [103] There are no major differences between the 2 tests.
Also potentially useful are Part I of the American Association on Mental Deficiency Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS), the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior [107] , and the IBR Evaluation of Mental Status (IBREMS).
However, in current practice there is no single battery of tests that can determine the presence of dementia in a person with D.D. developmental disabilities with one single administration. [101] One serious problem in assessing cognitive decline in persons with developmental disabilities is that they already had at least a mild-to-moderate degree of cognitive deficiency before they developed AD. [103] Also, persons with poor education or low-to-moderate cognitive level can be wrongly diagnosed with cognitive decline because of poor performance on the standard tests. [108] .
Despite these limitations, there are several tools available that may help to document the diagnosis of dementia in individuals with DS. Because the diagnosis of AD is based on the demonstration of a functional decline, a baseline observation of the individual’s cognitive abilities is very important. Sometimes this information can be found in the patient’s medical and school records, from family observations, or through direct observation of the patient participating in supervised adult activities. Tests that use caregivers as a source of information may be more reliable than tests directly involving the individual. [101]
A simple tool for evaluation of the clinical progression of Alzheimer disease (AD), developed by the Alzheimer team at the Wrentham Developmental Center in Massachusetts, is the Alzheimer Functional Assessment Tool. This tool was designed to record key information on the status of patients with AD and to assist in making decisions concerning the patient’s program and residential placement. The information needed to complete the assessment can be obtained by interviewing relatives or caregivers.
Interview the staff on all shifts that work directly with the patient, and find out the patient’s behavior and overall activities of daily living (ADLs). The patient’s abilities (including skills, problems, and other considerations) are described in the “description of skills” section of the summary sheet. Perform this assessment at the time of diagnosis of AD and every 6 months thereafter or whenever a significant change in status is observed.
The Alzheimer Functional Assessment Tool is appropriate for the follow-up care of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and AD. A decline in functions documented through this tool can also be used as a diagnostic test; however, the tool was not intended to be used for diagnostic purposes and has never been validated as a diagnostic test. Serial use of this tool can also be useful for evaluating the effects of medications and determining the support needed for these patients.
The Alzheimer Functional Assessment Tool includes the following information:
Date
Name
Activities of daily living
Description of skills
Toileting
Dining
Walking/motor
Bathing
Dressing
Personal/oral hygiene
Environmental awareness
Each one of the following assessments is preceded by a number that represents the progression of the deterioration of the individual. We recommend an assessment every 6 months. The plan of care is changed as needed depending upon the progression of the disease.
Toileting is measured by the following:
Can use bathroom in familiar and unfamiliar environments independently
Goes to the toilet independently or asks staff to assist; may need reminders to use toilet paper and wash hands
Has occasional toileting accidents; needs verbal reminders
Needs staff to take to the bathroom on a schedule; remains continent 90% of the time
Needs staff to take to the bathroom on a schedule; remains continent 50% of the time or less
No bowel or bladder control; may require frequent changing or special clothing (eg, pads, diapers)
Dining measurement includes the following:
Can prepare simple food (eg, sandwich, toast); can set table and clean up after meal; uses knife and fork to cut food; may or may not use adaptive equipment to eat independently
Can use fork and spoon to eat independently but needs food to be cut
Eats independently with the help of adaptive equipment
Can use fork and spoon to eat independently but may need occasional prompts to start or continue eating; may finger feed; needs food to be cut
Needs physical assistance to complete the meal
Develops swallowing problems; needs change in consistency of food or thick drinks
Completely dependent; may need specialized feeding program
Ambulation measurement includes the following:
Independent ambulation; able to walk steadily; able to start, stop, and change direction without falling; able to walk fast or run; ascends and descends stairs; capable of leaving premises without assistance
Independent ambulation for short distances; walks up and down the stairs 1 step at a time by holding rails; able to leave premises without assistance
Independent but cannot negotiate stairs; unable to leave premises without assistance
Can walk without support but requires supervision; may be unsteady; requires supportive measures at times
Needs assistance (another person to hold, walker) to walk; “cruises” around using structures such as furniture and walls as support; unable to leave premises independently
Needs wheelchair but can move independently
Needs an adapted wheelchair and cannot move independently; needs to be pushed
Bathing ability is measure by the following:
Can independently carry out an appropriate bathing routine (disrobing, washing, drying, and dressing)
Can carry out an appropriate bathing routine with occasional reminders to do a step or wash more thoroughly
Needs verbal prompts to initiate and/or complete some steps in the bathing process (due to subtle confusion and/or fear); continuous staff supervision at shower time not necessary; may use toiletries inappropriately
Requires continuous staff supervision at shower time to ensure complete bathing and safety (eg, problems due to confusion and/or fear); hand-over-hand assistance may be necessary at times; alternatives to showering or a specialized program may be recommended due to fear of showering; safe use of hot and cold water needs to be monitored
Primarily passive during bathing; requires some form of assistance for all steps; may be able to stand and move a body part when given a verbal or touch cue; fear of water may be present
Physically and cognitively unable to participate actively in bathing process; may respond to stimulation during bathing with vocalizations or changes in facial expressions
Dressing skills are identified as follows:
Dresses independently or with physical assistance due to handicap; can choose appropriate clothing (for weather or activity of the day) and cares for own clothing (eg, places dirty clothes in hamper, hangs clothing, stores properly)
Occasionally needs reminders to dress appropriately (“It’s cold out today”) and to care for clothes (“Remember where your dirty socks go?”)
Dresses with minimal assistance or verbal prompts
Dresses inappropriately for weather (layers clothing and/or puts clothing on inappropriately); may undress at an inappropriate time and/or place; may benefit from adaptive clothing to retain dressing skills; makes no attempt to care for own clothing
Needs assistance in dressing (50% or more of task) and may be resistive; may assist when compliant (eg, puts arm through sleeve)
Lies passively during dressing; does not respond to dressing or undressing
Hygiene maintenance is measured by the following:
Able to perform all personal hygiene tasks
Able to perform all personal hygiene tasks within regular routines; may show difficulty in performing tasks if routine is changed (eg, hospitalized, moved)
Able to perform all personal hygiene tasks but requires occasional reminders from staff to complete the task
Able to perform personal hygiene tasks but requires frequent reminders from staff to complete the task; may need staff guidance (verbal and point cues) in some parts of some tasks (ie, may forget steps); may still be proficient in one area and lose ability in another area
Requires staff supervision (verbal and point cues) to complete some personal hygiene tasks and staff assistance (light, moderate physical cues) to complete others
May still be able to perform some steps of some personal hygiene tasks with staff assistance but depends on staff to meet other personal hygiene needs
Depends on staff to meet all personal hygiene needs
Awareness of environment is noted by the following:
Cognizant and responsive, in a relevant way, to familiar and unfamiliar people and other environmental stimuli
Generally responsive to familiar and unfamiliar people and situations but seems self-absorbed and/or confused most of the time
Cognizant and responsive in a relevant way to familiar people and situations but shows a delayed or inappropriate response to unfamiliar people and situations
Cognizant and responsive to stimuli, but response is often inappropriate, even in familiar situations
Mostly awake but seems self-involved, showing little or inconsistent response to the environment
Sometimes awake but shows little interest in surroundings; sleeps at other times
Sleeps most of the day; needs to be aroused repeatedly to maintain interaction
The medications below have been recommended or used in individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD). Donepezil, and rivastigmine, are the only drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of AD investigated in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). [109, 110, 111, 112]
Four acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of AD in patients without DS. Tacrine is no longer used because its potential liver toxicity necessitates frequent blood monitoring. These drugsare approved for mild-to-moderate dementia. Donepezil remains the only cholinesterase inhibitor also approved for treatment of patients with severe dementia.
Memantine, a partial N -methyl-D -aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD.
The efficacy of the cholinetransferase inhibitors in AD in patients without DS is modest, and the available data have not convincingly demonstrated that these drugs influence the overall progression of the disease. Nonetheless, industry-sponsored studies have shown that AD patients without DS who were treated with these medications may require nursing home placement 1 year later than patients who were not so treated.
Cholinetransferase inhibitors might be expected to produce the same results in persons with DS. However, AD in patients with DS is often diagnosed at a later stage than AD in patients without DS. Most studies of cholinesterase inhibitors were conducted in patients with mild-to-moderate disease, and efficacy in patients with severe disease is less well established.
The efficacy of memantine is also modest. Indeed, its effect size is only half that of the cholinetransferase inhibitors. Memantine also does not slow the progression of disease. Some believe its efficacy is due to decreasing baseline noise in information processing associated with excess glutamate. A meta-analysis showed that memantine monotherapy might have a beneficial effect on persons with AD (DS not included), [113] but other studies do not confirm these results. [114]
Several studies in patients without DS suggest that both the cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine may be effective in treating secondary symptoms of AD (eg, agitation). Given that both groups of medications usually have fewer side effects than neuroleptics do, a trial of a cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine to control secondary symptoms of AD before neuroleptic therapy may be warranted.
Few clinical trials of the cholinetransferase inhibitor donepezil have been performed in patients with DS and AD. Results have been negative or have consisted of modest benefits that were not sustained for more than a few months. [115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 109, 110]
A Cochrane review of the use of donepezil in persons with DS found a modest and statistically nonsignificant benefit in persons with DS and AD who were able to tolerate the adverse effects of the medication. [111]
A small study involving 3 individuals with DS showed that donepezil treatment resulted in urinary incontinency in 2. [116]
Some improvement in cognitive functions with donepezil was reported in another small study involving 4 individuals with DS. [118]
In a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group involving 30 persons with DS and mild-to-moderate AD, with an average age in the placebo group of 55 years (range, 45-62 y) and 53 years (range, 40-69 y) in the treatment group, there was a nonsignificant reduction in deterioration as measured by the Dementia Scale for Mentally Retarded Persons, Severe Impairment Battery, and the Adaptive Behavioral Scale. The tolerance for donepezil was good. [120]
Boada Rovira et al (2005) in an open crossover study involving 14 individuals with DS older than 40 years and diagnosed with possible or probable dementia receiving 5 mg of donepezil during the first month of treatment and 10 mg for the next 5 months found improvement in cognition and social activities in the first 3 months of the donepezil-phase of the study, but no difference with the control group at the end of the study.
Improvement in daily activity was observed with a low dose of donepezil (3 mg/day) in a group of 21 women with DS (aged 32-58 y; mean, 45.6 y) and severe cognitive impairment. [121] In this study, donepezil treatment was beneficial for DS patients in the early part of the treatment phase and was never reduced throughout the trial. Most of the patients had IQs below 20, suggesting that donepezil treatment could be beneficial even for severely impaired patients.
Regarding rivastigmine, a retrospective study [46] involving of 17 patients with DS and AD receiving a starting dose of 1.5 mg twice daily and gradually increased up to 12 mg/day over 8 weeks showed that individuals treated with rivastigmine had less of a decline, over 24 weeks, in global functioning and adaptive behavior when compared with an untreated group; however the difference was not statistically significant.
A Cochrane review of the use of rivastigmine in people with DS found 4 studies addressing this issue, but 3 were excluded because they did not meet the standards requested, and 1 was awaiting assessment. The conclusion was that there was no evidence that rivastigmine is useful in this population. [122]
A Cochrane review of the use of galantamine failed to find any study in this population. [123]
A more recent meta-analysis of the use of these medications in persons with DS again failed to show benefits of donepezil and memantine. Also, participants who received donepezil were significantly more likely to experience an adverse event. [124]
Memantine is the only drug of this group approved for use in AD. A 2009 Cochrane review found no studies for inclusion. [125] Subsequently, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of memantine for dementia in DS patients older than 40 years found no evidence of efficacy. [126] This was also confirmed in a 2015 cochrane review. [124]
Several other classes of drugs have been tested in persons with AD without DS. Neuro inflammation may have a role in the pathogenesis of AD, [127] but clinical trials with anti-inflammatory drugs have failed to show consistent efficacy.
Drugs that decrease the accumulation of amyloid beta (Abeta) in the brain have been tried in persons with mild AD without DS, but even though the tolerance was good and there was a reduction in the amount of Abeta 42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), there was no significant clinical impact. [128] Trials involving active immunization of patients with Abeta were halted because 7% of patients developed encephalitis. How effective immunization was in slowing progression in this trial is controversial.
Estrogen epidemiologic data suggested that postmenopausal women taking estrogen had a decreased risk of developing AD. However, a clinical trial testing this hypothesis among women older than 65 years who had a family history of AD was halted because the women treated with estrogen appeared to have an increased risk for dementia. Data suggest that estrogen therapy may have a protective role if started in younger women at the onset of menopause. Present evidence does not support the use of estrogen for the treatment or prevention of AD.
One study involving simvastatin showed slight improvement in cognitive function. [124]
Data suggest that free radicals may contribute to neurodegeneration in AD, but clinical trials have not consistently shown antioxidants to be efficacious. Several studies have addressed this issue, few of them in persons with DS.
A study of the use of lipoic acid in persons with DS failed to show any clinical impact. [129] A Cochrane report also found no evidence of benefit and suggested that lipoic acid should not be recommended for the treatment of dementia. [130]
Administration of acetyl-L-carnitine to improve visual memory and attention was reported in the only study done in persons with DS. This effect was not seen in a control group of persons with mental deficiency but no DS, suggesting some specificity. [131] Other studies in persons with mild cognitive impairment and AD also showed some improvement. Acetyl-L-carnitine was given to 40 individuals with DS in a double-blind protocol for 6 months, but it yielded no benefit in persons with DS. [132] At present, routine use of this medication is not recommended.
A 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed daily oral antioxidant supplementation (900 IU of alpha-tocopherol, 200 mg of ascorbic acid, and 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid) in 53 persons with DS and dementia. [133] Although supplementation was safe, it yielded no improvement with respect to cognitive function or stabilization of cognitive decline.
Increased antioxidant effects in cells in patients with AD may improve some symptoms; however, a Cochrane meta-analysis found no evidence to support the use of melatonin in persons with dementia. [134]
Some studies suggested that diets containing high amounts of vitamin E could prevent dementia [135] ; however, other studies disagree. [136] A Cochrane review also found no solid evidence for the use of vitamin E in AD but identified enough benefit to justify further studies. [137]
Vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid are cofactors in the metabolism of homocysteine that might accumulate if there is a deficiency of these vitamins. A high level of homocysteine is a risk factor for the development of AD. Administration of 5 mg/day of folic acid, either alone or in combination with 5 mg/day of vitamin B-6 or 100 μg of B-12 (or both; see folic acid/cyanocobalamin/pyridoxine), decreased the blood levels of homocysteine in persons with DS. [138] No other studies have evaluated the use of these vitamins in persons with DS. In general, the evidence available does not demonstrate a beneficial effectofthesevitaminsin the prevention or treatment of AD.
The herbal product ginkgo biloba is probably the most commonly used alternative treatment for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline. [139] The information available is still controversial, with studies showing some mild benefit and others failing to show any positive change. [140] The only study of gingko involving 2 teenagers with DS showed some benefits in social and academic skills. [141]
Curcumin is an herb that is used to preserve food; it is widely consumed in India and might be related to the lower incidence of AD in India. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. There is no investigation of the effect of curcumin in persons with DS.
A 2015 meta-analysis failed to show a benefit with antioxidants. [124]
Some studies have suggested that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might be beneficial; however, no studies have been done in persons with DS.
Typical and atypical neuroleptics are often used to treat agitation, aggression, and hallucinations in patients with AD without DS. A black box warning from the FDA warns about the use of atypical neuroleptics in patients with dementia. Nonetheless, most experts still occasionally use atypical neuroleptics (eg, quetiapine) with the least extra pyramidal side effects in treating AD patients with agitation. Physicians need to inform patients’ families that they are prescribing such medications despite the black box warning.
The use of atypical antipsychotic medications in persons with AD but no DS for the treatment of aggression, psychosis, or agitation showed that the adverse effects offset the benefits. [142]
Small trials have examined using antiseizure medications such as valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine for treatment of agitation in AD. Results have been inconsistent.
Selegiline is a neuro protective medication that might be of benefit in persons with DS. [143] A Cochrane meta-analysis of selegiline failed to show any positive effect. This medication has not been evaluated in persons with DS. [144]
In many instances, medications might be needed to treat the frequent comorbid conditions observed in persons with DS. [145]
Some patients may require placement of a feeding tube, and some patients may need a tracheostomy.
Consult a neurologist, a gerontologist, or both for diagnosis, advice, and follow-up care. Consult rehabilitation specialists as well. In advanced stages, consult an ethics specialist regarding decisions for resuscitation or hospice care.
No particular diet is required. As the disease progresses, dysphagia may become a prominent feature, and changes in food texture usually are recommended. A dietitian’s help may be needed at this stage. In advanced stages, limited intake may be associated with severe weight loss. At this point, consider a feeding tube.
Animal studies have shown that physical exercise or environmental enrichment can increase growth in some areas of the brain. On the basis of this finding, Head et al suggested that the application of these ideas might have a significant positive impact in aging persons with DS. [56] These ideas have not been scientifically proven in persons with DS; however, a good comprehensive plan for individuals with AD should include a variety of physical and social activities.
Inpatient care is not necessary, except when the patient presents with acute medical complications. In the advanced stage of the disease, institutionalization may be required. In these individuals, hospice care might be an option to consider. [146]
Most services are provided in the outpatient setting. Consult a team that is experienced in managing AD patients with DS.
When the severity of the dementia creates dangerous situations, individuals with AD need to be transferred from their usual living conditions. The ideal approach is to obtain support from the family or to arrange for caretakers at home so that the patient is maintained in a familiar and friendly environment as long as possible.
At present, there is no known method or treatment for the prevention of AD. However, some epidemiologic studies have evaluated the importance of lifestyle, diet, and other risk factors. [147, 148] Trials have been performed with gingko biloba, NSAIDs, estrogens, vitamins E and C, and beta-carotenes, but there is no clear evidence of positive results. [74, 75, 149, 150]
Good nursing care is needed to prevent complications (eg, decubitus ulcers, aspiration pneumonia, deterioration of gastroesophageal reflux, fractures, dysphagia, urinary tract infections, and accidents).
Discuss issues related to diagnosis and prognosis with the family and caregivers early in the course of the disease. In addition, establishing rapport with a team that specializes in the management of AD is useful. For patient education information, see the Dementia Center.
Caregivers are an important component in the care of persons with AD. In most instances, caregivers are family members. Caregivers endure a significant burden that might result in physical and emotional disorders. [151] Accordingly, a good program for the treatment of persons with AD, with or without DS, should include education for and protection of the caregivers.
A program consisting of 2 sessions of individual therapy for the caregiver of a person with AD (usually the spouse), 4 sessions of family counseling, support group participation, and continuous availability of phone counseling for the caregiver resulted in a 28.3% reduction in nursing home placement and a delay of almost a year and a half in the admission to a nursing home when that was needed. These positive results were achieved without a negative impact on caregiver well-being.
Individuals with DS are considered independent adults once they reach the age of 18 years. Instruct parents to obtain legal guardianship through the courts; otherwise, any authorization provided by the parents has no legal value. Discuss issues such as surgical procedures, placement of feeding tubes, and hospice care with the legal guardians.
The neuropathology of AD in persons with DS closely resembles that of AD in persons without DS. [7, 8, 9, 10, 11] Autopsy studies in persons with DS showed that almost all had brain lesions meeting the criteria for AD. [12, 13] As has been observed in persons without DS, autopsies of patients with DS showed the hallmarks of AD: intraneural neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) (mostly composed of tau protein, which is encoded by the microtubule-associated protein tau gen [MAPT]), extracellular neuritic plaques, amyloid angiopathy, and deposits of amyloid beta (Abeta) protein in senile plaques. [12, 152] In persons with DS, the Abeta deposits can be seen in the cerebral cortex as early as in their 30s. [153, 154] The overall distribution of these abnormalities in the brain as well as the structural and chemical composition is the same as in persons without DS, however there are some differences. For example, persons with DS have an earlier and also a greater deposition of plaques and tangles in the hippocampal area. [155] In addition, the deposition of beta-amyloid is lower in the cortex in persons with DS compared with those without DS and AD. [156] Also, the amyloid plaques are not so homogenous and are also bigger in persons with DS than in those without DS. [157] Diffuse plaques composed of non-fibrillary deposits of Abeta amyloid, usually not associated with other cytological changes, developed earlier than the dense core plaques that are associated with neuronal and glial changes. [158] These diffuse plaques seem to be a unique feature in DS and are seen in children with DS as young as 8 years. [159] They seem not to have an important effect on neurons, and do not result in clinical symptoms. [160]
Amyloid also deposits in arterial walls. However, and differently from the non-DS population, the presence of vascular dementia is unusual in persons with DS. [161]
Even though amyloid is deposited in the brains of persons with DS very early in life, the deposits are not directly related to the clinical picture. NFT, never reported in the absence of hard core amyloid, increase in density later in life and are more directly related to the early signs of AD in DS than the presence of amyloid. [162, 163] NFT are intraneuronal, abnormal, twisted filamentous proteins composed mainly of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. [164] This might indicate that changes in tau protein are more responsible for neuronal dysfunction and clinical symptoms.
Other neuropatholgical abnormalities have been described in persons with DS and AD, for example Lewy bodies as seen in Lewy body dementia. However, this type of dementia is unususal in DS. Membrane-bound granulovacuolar degenerations have been described with the same frequency as in the non-DS population. The endosomal system is known to be abnormal before birth in persons with DS [165] and recent studies showed that this could be important in the development of AD. [161]
Since the neuropathology typical of AD is observed very early in the life of persons with DS, the study of this condition in persons with DS could result in knowledge that could also be useful for individuals without DS.
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Norberto Alvarez, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Consulting Staff, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital; Medical Director, Wrentham Developmental Center
Norberto Alvarez, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, Child Neurology Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jasvinder Chawla, MD, MBA Chief of Neurology, Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital; Professor of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center
Jasvinder Chawla, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Robert A Hauser, MD, MBA Professor of Neurology, Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Director, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, University of South Florida; Clinical Chair, Signature Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
Robert A Hauser, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Medical Association, American Society of Neuroimaging, and Movement Disorders Society
Disclosure: Adamas Pharmaceuticals Consulting fee Consulting
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference
Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment
Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome
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