Rastreio da Demência de Alzheimer em pessoas com Síndrome de Down: um estudo na Associação Down de Goiás

Abstract

Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by a third copy of chromosome 21. With the increased life expectancy of these individuals, other comorbidities can arise, and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the primary one. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes irreversible damage, and the likelihood of adults with DS developing dementia can reach up to 95%. Early identification of AD in people with DS remains a challenge because the initial symptoms resemble those caused by intellectual disability and can go unnoticed by families, leading to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis. Studies indicate complexity in diagnosis due to the limited number of tools developed for identifying dementia in people with intellectual disabilities. It is crucial to identify and monitor the decline and initial symptoms. Recognizing dementia early allows individuals with Down Syndrome to receive specific care and improve the quality of life for both them and their families. Objective: To apply the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down’s Syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX-DS) and the Cambridge Cognitive Test for Mental Disorders of the Elderly (CAMCOG-DS) for the early identification of dementia or warning signs of Alzheimer's in individuals with Down Syndrome from the Associação Down de Goiás. Method: This is a qualitative, quantitative, and cross-sectional study. Ten adults aged 30 and older, who are part of the Language Laboratory of the Associação Down de Goiás in Goiânia-GO, participated in the study. The CAMDEX-DS and CAMCOG-DS assessment tools were applied. Conclusion: It was possible to identify a risk of dementia in one of the participants in the evaluated group. Based on the data collected, it will be possible to conduct a longitudinal follow-up on the functional and cognitive levels of the participants. Based on the results obtained, stimuli were directed to address each participant's difficulties, family guidance was provided, and specialized medical referrals were made for the case that presented warning signs.