Who Among People With Down Syndrome Are More At Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease?

Down syndrome and Alzheimer's have a strong relationship to each other. This is why the UC Irvine has received $4.7 million from the National Institute on Aging to conduct a five-year study this summer to determine who among diagnosed with Down Syndrome are the most susceptible to acquiring Alzheimer's disease. 

The study is deemed significant because if not given attention, people with down syndrome that later on have Alzheimer's might be creating caregiving burdens for their families. The lead researcher, Dr. Ira Loo, a pediatric neurologist claimed that the medical field has become so sophisticated that those with Down syndrome can already live long and productive lives. To have these lives painstakingly ruined by Alzheimer's is a "tragedy."

"I think the urgency in part reflects the urgency of Alzheimer's research," said Dr. Ira Lott, as reported by Fredericksburg.com. "Alzheimer's is a tremendous national problem. Many people with Down syndrome live productive and happy lives. To have that cut off prematurely by Alzheimer's disease is a tragedy that we're trying to prevent."

If the research is carried out successfully, findings can lead to better treatment options formed. The general population, including the family and caregivers, will benefit from the findings as well. 

"Anytime we can shine a light on any aspect of this disease, that is massively important," said Jim McAleer, CEO of Alzheimer's Orange County. "It's vitally important for those people and their families that we learn how to treat this disease and cure it in that population. Science might learn more about the disease because of the genetic difference in that population. I think it actually can move science forward."

The relationship between down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease has long been established, as reported by E Medicine Health. This is because people with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome 21. This extra copy leads to intellectual disability. The same chromosome 21 can generate proteins that would form plaques in a person's brain and increase his or her Alzheimer's risk.