Before dementia can be identified, we must be able to recognize the symptoms.

Often family or caregivers at the person’s living facility notice symptoms of dementia, and can help in early detection of dementia.

Tricia was a person with Down syndrome and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Down syndrome and Symptoms of Dementia

Typical symptoms that are observed in individuals from the general population might not be noticed or appear in individuals with I/DD, such as those with Down syndrome.

The Alzheimer’s Association website states that changes in overall function, personality and behavior may be more common early signs of Alzheimer’s for people with Down syndrome than memory loss and forgetfulness. Early symptoms may include:

• Reduced interest in being sociable, conversing or expressing thoughts.
• Decreased enthusiasm for usual activities.
• Decline in ability to pay attention.
• Sadness, fearfulness or anxiety.
• Irritability, uncooperativeness or aggression.
• Restlessness or sleep disturbances.
• Seizures that begin in adulthood.
• Changes in coordination and walking.
• Increased noisiness or excitability.

What may trigger suspicion of possible dementia in a person with I/DD include:

• Changes in daily living activities.
• Depression.
• Changes in likes and dislikes, changes in desire for community participation.
• Changes in emotional and physical health.

The Alzheimer’s Association website further states that reduced enthusiasm for daily activities, loss of interest in social interactions and changes in personality and behavior are often early signs of an underlying decline in thinking skills.