Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Between Nondiabetic Adults With Mental Retardation With and Without Down Syndrome

Abstract

A reduced expression of the insulin resistance syndrome, a common neuroendocrine disorder underlying atherosclerosis, may play a role in reduced atherosclerosis in adults with Down syndrome. We compared selected components of the insulin resistance syndrome between 75 adults with Down syndrome and 70 with mental retardation due to other causes. After adjusting for age differences, residence, cigarette smoking, and medication use, women with Down syndrome had lower fasting plasma glucose and lower systolic blood pressure than comparison women. Men with Down syndrome had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than comparison men. Results suggest that women with Down syndrome may be less likely to express the insulin resistance syndrome, and men and women with Down syndrome may possess fewer atherosclerotic risk factors than the comparison groups.

Health‐promoting physical activity of adults with mental retardation

“…Age, education, gender, heredity, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, the presence of children, activity history, dietary habits, and processes of change impact activity in people without disabilities [Trost et al, 2002], but most of these have not been explored in people with MR. Age appears to be negatively associated with activity in adults with MR [Robertson et al, 2000;Emerson, 2005]. Interestingly, the gender disparities in physical activity frequently observed in the general population are not apparent in those with MR [Robertson et al, 2000;Draheim et al, 2002a;Frey, 2004] and this may be because both men and women are largely sedentary.…”

“…To date, only eight studies have specifically examined physical activity, not exercise or fitness, in adults with MR according to current published recommendations (30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity all or most days of the week or 10,000 steps per day) [Temple et al, 2000;Draheim et al, 2002aDraheim et al, , 2002bDraheim et al, , 2003Temple and Walkley, 2003b;Frey, 2004;Stanish andDraheim, 2005a, 2005b]. There is large variability in reports, but, based on these limited findings, less than one-third of this population segment engage in sufficient physical activity to accrue health benefits [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005; see Table 1].…”

“…This is an important distinction to make because estimates of physical activity levels can vary widely depending on the survey instrument and criterion used [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996]. Draheim et al [2002aDraheim et al [ , 2002bDraheim et al [ , 2003] examined physical activity and other cardiovascular risk factors in a large sample of approximately 150 adults with mild to moderate MR ages 18 -65 years. Physical activity was assessed via interviews with study participants and caregivers using the NHANES III.…”

“…There were no gender differences and prevalence of no leisure time or little to no leisure time was similar to the general population [Draheim et al, 2002b]. There was a strong association between physical activity and certain cardiovascular disease risk factors such as abdominal obesity [Draheim et al, 2002a[Draheim et al, , 2003. The authors noted that the seemingly inflated activity estimates may be attributed to overestimation by proxy or secondary sources [Lunsky and Benson, 1999;Finlay and Lyons, 2001].…”

“…Individuals with MR comprise a subgroup that is considered predominantly sedentary and at elevated risk for health problems associated with inactivity [Rimmer and Braddock, 2002]. People with MR have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure than adults without MR [Rimmer et al, 1995;Draheim et al, 2002a;Janicki et al, 2002], low physical fitness levels [Graham and Reid, 2000;Fernhall and Pitetti, 2001], and high obesity rates . These health profiles are attributed to and suggestive of highly sedentary behavior, but there is a paucity of data to support this conclusion.…”