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The link below takes you to a recording of a webinar by Brian Chicoine, MD, called "Decline in Skills and Regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome." This webinar was presented during the National Down Syndrome Society's Adult Summit. The webinar description is provided below.
Decline in Skills and Regression Webinar
There is a growing number of clinical case reports of adolescents and adults with Down syndrome who have shown regression in cognitive and adaptive functioning, motor function, communication skills, and behavior. As reported by their families, this regression occurs following a period of stable functional skill acquisition in adolescents or adults. There are many physical, psychological, and social reasons individuals with Down syndrome may show a decline in skills. While there have been several articles published about regression in adolescents and adults with Down syndrome, there remains a great deal that is still unknown. In this presentation, this will be referred to as "regression syndrome." The discussion will focus on causes other than autism in younger children and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Clinical features, evaluation, differential diagnoses, treatment, and prognosis will be discussed. Emphasis will be given to some of the most challenging patients who manifest catatonia, autoimmunity, sleep apnea, and severe mental health symptoms. Case studies will be shared and time for discussion will be provided.