Resources | Adult Down Syndrome Center

Dry Skin in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Dry skin is more common in people with Down syndrome. Some individuals with Down syndrome find treatment challenging because of negative sensory response to creams and ointments on the skin

How to Put Your Hair into a Ponytail Video

Author: Kayla Millan, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Adult Down Syndrome Center

The video below demonstrates one way of putting your hair into a ponytail. See the Self-Care and Hygiene section of our library for additional resources. Royal

Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Author: Ima V. Jonkheer, DO and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Key Points The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. It is a gland that is in the neck. Thyroid function affects or has an impact on many body functions and, therefore, abnormal thy

Urinary Retention

Author: Agni Vlahos, MD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine

Key Points Urinary retention is the build-up of excessive urine in the bladder. It appears to be more common in people with Down syndrome. A common reason for urinary retention in people with Down syn

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

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

Key Points Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the urethra, bladder, ureters, and/or kidneys. People with Down syndrome have risk factors for getting a UTI due to issues related to not e

Tremors in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Tremors are repetitive involuntary movements. Tremors can be mild and cause limited disruption or more severe and restricting. There are many causes for tremors. An evaluation by a health p

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures or Fake Seizures

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

We periodically get asked questions about “fake seizures.” They have also been called “pseudo-seizures” but are now more accurately called non-epileptic seizure

Getting an EEG Visual

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

This Getting an EEG visual explains what happens when we have an electroencephalogram (EEG) done. It can help individuals with Down syndrome know what to expect when going for an EEG. Additi

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

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

What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar or low glucose. Blood sugar or glucose levels can be measured with a blood test. Healthcare providers make the diagnosis of h

Onychomycosis - Fungal Infection of the Nails

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

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of fingernails or toenails. This infection is more common in people with Down syndrome (DS). Toenails are more commonly infected than fingernails. Video W

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD, and Dennis McGuire, PhD, LCSW - Adult Down Syndrome Center

*This article was adapted from Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges, 2nd Edition . What is attention-deficit/hyperactivi

Taking My Thyroid Medication Visual

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

Several endocrine conditions, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), are more common in people with Down syndrome compared to people without Down syndrome. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Tirosint,

Common Dermatologic Disorders in Down Syndrome: Systematic Review

Author: Lam et al. - JMIR Dermatology (2022)

Abstract Background: Down syndrome (DS) has been associated with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune-related abnormalities. Several dermatologic conditions, including hidradenitis s

Sunscreen Use

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

When the summer months approach, many of us stock up on sunscreen and other products to protect our skin from the sun. While we tend to associate sun exposure with the warmer seasons, we need to prote

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Cerebrovascular Disease, and Amyloid in Older Adults with Down Syndrome Across the Alzheimer's Continuum

Author: Lao et al. - Sleep Advances: A Journal of the Sleep Research Society (2022)

Abstract We determined the extent to which obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cerebrovascular disease and amyloid burden, and the relation of the two processes across clinical

Evaluation of Upper Airway Stimulation for Adolescents with Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Author: Yu et al. (2022) - JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Abstract Importance : Patients with Down syndrome have a high incidence of persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and limited treatment options. Upper airway hypoglossal stimulation has be

Comorbidity Screening in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Evidence-Based Recommendations from the US and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations

Author: Garg et al. (2022) - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Abstract Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with comorbidities that contribute to poor health, impaired life quality, and mortality risk. Objective: T