Maladaptive behaviors related to dementia status in adults with Down syndrome

Am J Ment Retard. 2008 Mar;113(2):73-86. doi: 10.1352/0895-8017(2008)113[73:MBRTDS]2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

Changes in maladaptive behaviors related to specific stages of dementia were investigated in 251 adults 45 years of age and older with Down syndrome. Findings indicate clear differences in maladaptive behaviors at various stages of dementia. Generally, individuals with no signs or symptoms of dementia displayed fewer and less severe maladaptive behaviors than individuals in the early and mid-stages of dementia. Individuals transitioning into the early stages of dementia from no dementia displayed increased aggression, fearfulness, sadness, sleep problems, social inadequacy, stealing, and general regressive behavior. Thus, new concerns regarding these types of behaviors could be particularly useful in clarifying the dementia status of adults with Down syndrome and developing individualized plans for support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Down Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Down Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Down Syndrome / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Reproducibility of Results