Multidisciplinary consultation for adults living with Down syndrome

People living with Down syndrome experience functional decline and early loss of autonomy associated with multiple factors: orthopedic conditions such as cervical hypermobility and arthritis, medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, and sensory organ pathologies such as hearing and vision disorders. A coordinated approach allows for specific treatments for these conditions. However, a major cause of functional decline and loss of autonomy, affecting more than 50% of individuals, is Alzheimer's dementia. Currently, no standardized approach is proposed for these individuals in Belgium.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal anomaly characterized by the presence of three chromosomes 21. The gene for the amyloid precursor protein (APP), a molecule that accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, is carried by this chromosome. With three chromosome 21, individuals living with Down syndrome theoretically produce this peptide at 133% compared to the general population.
A better understanding of the development of Alzheimer's dementia in individuals with Down syndrome would, on one hand, enable a specific approach to their autonomy loss problem and, on the other hand, contribute to a better understanding of the role of the amyloid peptide in the development of Alzheimer's disease in the general population.

A comprehensive approach to individuals living with Down syndrome, based on a multidisciplinary assessment, allows for the identification of any other causes of autonomy loss and the proposal of specific care. Patients meeting Alzheimer's disease criteria can be appropriately directed through the same strategy towards neuro-psychological, social, and neurosomatic tailored care.