A five year follow-up study of dementia in persons with Down's syndrome: early symptoms and patterns of deterioration

Objectives: To investigate the development of dementia over a five year fol low up period in a population of females with Down's syndrome; to examine a ge at onset and duration of dementia in the population; to document the cli nical features of dementia and to highlight scores on functional and cognit ive rating scales at diagnosis of dementia and at the onset of complete dep endency Method: A five year follow-up study of SO female subjects on prevalence of dementia, early clinical features of dementia and patterns of scoring on ra ting scales at diagnosis and end-stage dementia was completed. Results: Over the five year study period the number of subjects diagnosed w ith dementia rose from seven (8.75%) to 35 (43.75%). Age related prevalence figures showed that dementia was more common with increasing age. The earl iest recognisable symptoms of dementia were memory loss, spatial disorienta tion and loss of independence especially in the area of personal hygiene. T hese findings were confirmed by the rating scales used in the study. Conclusions: The earliest recognisable clinical features of dementia includ e memory loss and increased dependency. The results of this study should fa cilitate earlier diagnosis of dementia in DS.