Medical conditions and medication use in adults with Down syndrome: A descriptive analysis

Abstract

Background: We examined the presence of medical conditions and medication use within a sample of adults with Down syndrome. Methods: Retrospective chart review using a sample of 141 adults with Down syndrome and age range of 30 to 65 years. Results: We identify 23 categories of commonly occurring medical conditions and 24 categories of medications used by adults with Down syndrome. Conclusion: Approximately 75% of older adults with Down syndrome in our sample experience memory loss and dementia. Hypothyroidism, seizures, and skin problems also occur commonly. The prevalence of cancer (i.e., solid tumours) and hypertension is extremely low. Older adults with Down syndrome use anticonvulsant more often than younger adults with Down syndrome. The use of multivitamins and medications such as pain relievers, prophylactic antibiotics, and topical ointments is common.

Adults with Down Syndrome: Characterization of a Portuguese Sample

“…24 Osteoporosis was found more frequently in a younger sample (< 50 years old). 17 Comparing to these studies, we found lower rates of osteoporosis (1.7%), obesity (2.3%) and skin conditions (1.1%). DS adults seem to be at lower risk for malignant solid tumours 29 than the general population.…”

“…15,16 Nevertheless, suffering from DS results in an increased risk of developing psychological and neuropsychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and dementia. 4,6,10,16,17 …”

“…Several previous studies have reported thyroid dysfunction in DS individuals, especially hypothyroidism. 14,17,28 Other studies have described additional medical issues in DS adults, including skin and hair diseases, early-onset menopause, visual and hearing impairments, pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, musculoskeletal disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, overweight and obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease and an age-related increased risk for dementia. 14,17,[25][26][27]29,30 The likelihood of epilepsy and seizures increases with age, especially if there is comorbid dementia, but is also related to the age of onset of the disease.…”

“…14,17,28 Other studies have described additional medical issues in DS adults, including skin and hair diseases, early-onset menopause, visual and hearing impairments, pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, musculoskeletal disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, overweight and obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease and an age-related increased risk for dementia. 14,17,[25][26][27]29,30 The likelihood of epilepsy and seizures increases with age, especially if there is comorbid dementia, but is also related to the age of onset of the disease. 29 In some studies, older adults with DS were found to have a higher incidence of respiratory disease and congenital anomalies, 29 dementia, hypothyroidism, skin problems, 17 cardiac disease, neurologic disease as well as shorter height and stature.…”

“…14,17,[25][26][27]29,30 The likelihood of epilepsy and seizures increases with age, especially if there is comorbid dementia, but is also related to the age of onset of the disease. 29 In some studies, older adults with DS were found to have a higher incidence of respiratory disease and congenital anomalies, 29 dementia, hypothyroidism, skin problems, 17 cardiac disease, neurologic disease as well as shorter height and stature. 24 Osteoporosis was found more frequently in a younger sample (< 50 years old).…”