Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
With life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome now approaching 60 years, the focus of care is shifting toward adult-onset conditions. A key question for many families is, 'Does Down syndrome get worse with age?'
By age 40, virtually all individuals with Down syndrome show the brain pathology characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease due to an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material significantly increases the chance that people with Down syndrome have dementia compared to the general population, and at an earlier age.
While the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can appear in nearly all people with Down syndrome by age 40, a clinical diagnosis of dementia typically occurs over a decade later, often in their early to mid-50s. This earlier-than-average onset is a key characteristic of how dementia affects individuals with Down syndrome, distinguishing it from the general population.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has dramatically increased, from an average of 9 in 1900 to nearly 60 today. Yet, research still reveals a paradox: **do people with Down's syndrome age faster** on a biological level?
According to the Alzheimer's Association, early-onset dementia accounts for a small but significant percentage of dementia cases, affecting individuals under the age of 65. This statistic reveals that it is not unheard of for someone to question, **is 60 too early for dementia?** This article explores the complexities of early-onset dementia and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms at a younger age.
According to research from Columbia University, nearly 10% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have dementia, highlighting the significant impact of this condition on the aging population. Understanding **what is the prevalence of dementia in the United States** is crucial for public health planning, family caregivers, and health policymakers alike.
Neuropathological studies reveal that over 50% of older adults with dementia have mixed dementia, a condition where multiple brain pathologies coexist. This includes the significant overlap between Lewy body and Alzheimer's disease, confirming that you can have Lewy body and Alzheimer's at the same time.
Sleep disturbances are common in people with dementia, affecting up to 50% of patients. Knowing what to do when a dementia patient refuses to go to bed requires a blend of patience, strategy, and empathy to address the underlying causes of their resistance. This comprehensive guide provides practical, compassionate solutions for caregivers.
Globally, over 55 million people live with dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most common cause. But when analyzing the data, which country has the highest level of Alzheimer's? The answer is complex and highlights key global health trends.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease in 2025, and this number is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. Many people ask: **why is Alzheimer's so common now**? The perceived rise is a complex issue driven not by a single cause, but by a combination of a rapidly aging population, better diagnostic tools, and changes in lifestyle and environmental factors.
