How do People with Developmental Disabilities Age Compared to the General Population?
The life expectancy and age-related medical conditions of adults with developmental disabilities are similar to that of the general population unless they have severe levels of cognitive impairment, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or have multiple disabilities. The onset of age-related changes for people with intellectual disabilities may occur earlier for certain disabling conditions such as Down syndrome. Some research has indicated that sensory, cognitive, and adaptive skill losses occur earlier for adults with Down syndrome compared to the general population and other adults with intellectual disabilities. There appears to be a higher prevalence of Alzheimer Disease in adults with Down syndrome and it is likely to occur at an earlier age compared to the general population. For adults with Down syndrome, symptoms of dementia may often be caused by other conditions that are treatable such as hypo/hyperthyroidism, depression, and sensory impairments. Persons with a lifelong history of
