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For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Duration: 11 ms, Number of Results: 51

Showing 25 - 48 of 51

When Veins Don't Work

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

What is the vascular system? Our vascular system includes blood vessels (including veins, arteries, and smaller blood vessels) as well as the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart towards th

Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are common in people with Down syndrome (DS). In our large cohort study that reviewed health data from people cared for within Advocate Health, swallowing problems were

Weighted Blankets

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

The use of weighted blankets is a sensory technique that provides deep pressure stimulation. Evidence suggests that deep pressure stimulation produces a calming effect to the autonomic nervous system

Possible Causes of Regression in People with Down Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

We received a question about a man with Down syndrome in his late 30s. His family shared that he developed catatonia, was hearing people speaking in his head, and lost a significant amount of weight.

Regression in Down Syndrome Support Group

Author: Eileen Quinn, MD - Moderator

The link below takes you to a closed Facebook page for families, caregivers, and professionals who support individuals with Down syndrome who have experienced or are experiencing regression. If you cl

Use of Probiotics by People with Down Syndrome

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource

What are probiotics? Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms (e.g., bacteria). Foods with labels that say "live and active cultures" contain probiotics.

Co-Occurring Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD)

Author: Down Syndrome-Autism Connection - Website

It is estimated that 16-18% of people with Down syndrome also have autism spectrum disorder. The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection  is a nonprofit organization that provides s

Heart Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome Between 1996 and 2016

Author: Fitzpatrick et al. - Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (2020)

Abstract Purpose:  To describe demographic factors and calculate prevalence of heart disease-related conditions among the adult Down syndrome (DS) sample population and to compare demographic

Liver Fibrosis

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Fibrosis of the liver can be thought of as a "scar" in the liver that results from chronic liver injury. It is similar to scarring that may form on the skin or in the lung or other o

Sensory Processing and Down Syndrome

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

The Sensory System No one has a perfectly functioning sensory system. We all have sensory preferences and even sensory needs, each unique to how our central nervous system perceives and processes sens

Down Syndrome Disintegrative Disorder: A Clinical Regression Syndrome of Increasing Importance

Author: Rosso et al. - Pediatrics (2020)

Abstract Down syndrome disintegrative disorder (DSDD), a developmental regression in children with Down syndrome (DS), is a clinical entity that is characterized by a loss of previously acquired adapt

Refusal to Eat Solid Foods

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

We received a question about a person with Down syndrome who was refusing to eat solids. He was found to have dental disease. He needed several fillings and had a couple baby teeth removed. The dentis

Unexplained Regression in Down Syndrome: 35 Cases from an International Down Syndrome Database

Author: Santoro et al. - Genetics in Medicine (2019)

Abstract Purpose:  An entity of regression in Down syndrome (DS) exists that affects adolescents and young adults and differs from autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer disease.  Me

Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Surgery

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

We were asked about surgical options for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach contents, including acid, go "backwards" from the stomach up into t

Catatonia in Down Syndrome: Systematic Approach to Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome Assessment Based on a Case Series of Seven Patients

Author: Miles et al. - Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (2019)

Abstract Objective:  The goal is to expand our knowledge of catatonia occurring in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome (DS) by describing the first prospective, consecutive, well-

Vasovagal Syncope (Fainting)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

What is vasovagal syncope?  Vasovagal syncope is what we commonly think of as fainting in response to emotional upset or pain. Chen-Scarabelli and Scarabelli (2004) define it as “a

Lower Body Joint Compression

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This article describes a form of proprioceptive input called lower body joint compression which may be helpful for individuals with sensory challenges.

Affordable Sensory Equipment

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

In this handout, our occupational therapist provides recommendations for affordable sensory equipment .

Upper Body Joint Compression

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This article describes a form of proprioceptive input called upper body joint compression which may be helpful for individuals with sensory challenges.

Use of Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attacks

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

We were sent a question about the use of aspirin to prevent heart attacks in people with Down syndrome. We have provided some information below. Please note that this information is for educational pu

Regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome

Author: Chicoine & Capone - Chapter in Physical Health of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract There has been a growing number of clinical case reports of regression in adolescents and adults with Down syndrome who have shown unexpected and severe regression in cognitive and adaptive f

Lactose Intolerance

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD - Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center

People with Down syndrome can experience a variety of gastrointestinal issues. One of them is intolerance to foods containing lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products like milk and ice crea

Down Syndrome and Autism

Author: National Down Syndrome Society - Website

The  Down Syndrome and Autism    page on the National Down Syndrome society's website has information and resources about the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and aut

Catatonia in Down Syndrome: A Treatable Cause of Regression

Author: Ghaziuddin et al. (2015) - Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (2015)

Abstract Objective:  The main aim of this case series report is to alert physicians to the occurrence of catatonia in Down syndrome (DS). A second aim is to stimulate the study of regression

Showing 25 - 48 of 51
 

 

Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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