Nurse's Note: World Alzheimer's Day
World Alzheimer's Day is observed on 21st September every year to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. There is currently no cure for this devastating disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. More than 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and an estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and have Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021. It is projected by the year 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia is expected to reach 12.7 million.
A person affected by Down Syndrome has an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, about 30% of people with Down syndrome who are in their 50s have Alzheimer's dementia and about 50% of people with Down syndrome in their 60s have Alzheimer’s dementia.
Scientists think that the increased risk of dementia for persons with Down Syndrome results from the extra genes present in their DNA. In addition, by age 40, most people with Down syndrome have beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques, along with other protein deposits cause problems with how brain cells function and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's symptoms.
The early signs of Alzheimer’s for a person with Down Syndrome may not show up as forgetfulness or memory loss. Instead, you may see changes in overall function, personality and behavior.
It can be difficult in diagnosing adults with Down syndrome. It is recommended that a person with Down Syndrome have a baseline adult function exam by the age of 35. It is important to have their abilities documented so that their physician has records to compare any decrease in abilities. Caregivers and family members should report changes they see with the person’s behavior or personality. In addition, a physician should rule out other medical conditions common in persons with Down Syndrome that could be causing changes in functioning and thinking. These could be things such as depression, thyroid conditions, vision loss, chronic ear and sinus infections and sleep apnea. And lastly, the family or caregiver may consider consulting a dementia expert.
Alzheimer’s Association. 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s Dement 2021;17(3).
Here are some ways you can recognize World Alzheimer’s Day:
1. Wear a purple bracelet or ribbon.
2. Attend a walk or other activity in your community to help spread awareness.
3. Donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).
4. If you know of a someone with Alzheimer’s, offer to find a support group for them and their caregiver.
Help is available
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is a nonprofit organization that offers information and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Call NDSS at 800.221.4602 or view their Aging and Down Syndrome: A Health & Well-Being Guidebook online.
The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) educates the public and offers information and support to people living with Down syndrome and their families.
A nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation supports the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, which focuses on research and medical care for those with Down syndrome.
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) raises awareness and advocates for those impacted by Down syndrome.
The Alzheimer's Association can help you learn more about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and help you find local support services. Call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.