In my field work I interact with employees who have different levels of mental disabilities, including ones with Down syndrome. I was shocked to see how much older the employees with Down Syndrome looked compare to the others. So I went home and did some research on Down Syndrome and this is what I discovered:
• In l929 the Down Syndrome lifespan was only 9 years.
• People with Down Syndrome are now living well into their 50’s and 60’s. .
• Premature aging is a characteristic of adults with Down syndrome.
• Scientists have discovered that there is a connection between Trisomy 21 and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Scientist also believe Trisomy 21 is linked to why people with Down Syndrome are spared many others diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes and certain types of cancer.
This is a whole new population that we as OTA’s could treat! We need to create a solid foundation for the treatment of “premature aging” of Down Syndrome clients. A treatment program would need to include daily exercise program combined with yoga type of stretching. Activities would need to address their decreasing cognitive functioning and judgment. The opportunities for OT to keep these clients engaged in their favorite occupations are limitless. I have included 2 articles I found interesting
http://www.about-down-syndrome.com/down-syndrome-lifespan.html
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-03-22-down22_CV_N.htm
click here
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This was very interesting to me. I wonder how that extra chromosome in Down's would protect their cardiovascular health when according to the National Down Syndrome Society, half of these people "suffer from a major mental health concern during their lifetime." They suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD which you would think would stress the body and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. An exercise program dealing with the premature aging would also benefit those who are also suffering from a MI also.
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