Section Heading Background Image

Search our Resources

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

Duration: 9 ms, Number of Results: 32

Showing 1 - 24 of 32
1 2 Next Last Page 1 of 2

Increased Need for Services and Support

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

Key Points For people with and without Down syndrome, our needs may change as we age and/or develop health issues. The change in the needs may be temporary or permanent. There are a variety of ways to

Pneumonia in People with Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Lungs are vital organs in the movement of oxygen into the body and the removal of carbon dioxide. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is more common in people with Down syndro

Aging in Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (1/29/2024)

Author: Brian Chicoine, MD, and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

Title:  Aging in Adults with Down Syndrome Date:  January 29, 2024 Presenters:  Brian Chicoine, MD and Hannah Graham, MD Host Organization:  Down's Syndrome

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Author: Allison Schnitzler, MD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Key Points Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known as heartburn or reflux. GERD is common in people with Down syndrome (DS). There are a variety of things that can be done at home to redu

Celiac Disease

Author: Robert Campbell, DO and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Key Points Celiac disease is caused by a sensitivity to gluten. It is more common in people with Down syndrome. It can be diagnosed through an assessment including a history, physical, blood work, and

Tips for Cutting Fingernails and Toenails

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

Cutting your nails is a personal hygiene task that must be completed regularly to maintain healthy and strong nails. In the list below, I have shared general tips to make trimming your nails easier an

Aging and Down Syndrome: A Health & Well-Being Guidebook

Author: National Down Syndrome Society - Resource

The resource linked below is a guidebook from the National Down Syndrome Society. According to the Introduction, "Adults with Down syndrome, along with their families and caregivers, need acc

Aging and Life Expectancy

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

Today, people with Down syndrome (DS) are living longer and healthier than any other time in the past. In 1900, the life expectancy of people with DS was 9 years. By 1984, the life expectancy

Tips for Going Up and Down Stairs Safely

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and Abby Rowley, LCSW - Adult Down Syndrome Center

Going up and down stairs can be challenging for some people with Down syndrome. Aging, differences in depth perception, unsteady gait, and other issues may contribute to difficulty with navigating sta

End-Of-Life and Down Syndrome Guidebook

Author: National Down Syndrome Society - Resource

The resource linked below is a guidebook from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). According to the Introduction, the aim of the guidebook is to "provide guidance for the crossroads and

Advance Directives - Forms for Illinois Residents

Author: Illinois Department of Public Health - Website

An advance directive is a written statement you prepare that expresses how you want medical decisions made in the future should you not be able to make them yourself. Illinois law allows you

Constipation in Down Syndrome

Author: Samantha Ghanayem-Bouikidis, MD and Brian Chicoine, MD - Family Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Video Watch a video clip about constipation  from our webinar At-Home Treatments for Common Health Conditions.   Constipation is a common problem in people with Down syndrom

Toilet Hygiene

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

Thorough toilet hygiene is difficult for many individuals with Down syndrome. However, there are several options to increase independence and success with toilet hygiene. Use pre-moistened wipes . Be

Tips for Managing Medications

Author: Monica Prindiville, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapy Student and Occupational Therapist

Whether on one medication or many, people with and without Down Syndrome have difficulty taking medication as prescribed. The following tips can help simplify medication management and prevent missed

Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Healthy Aging in People with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (5/18/2022)

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

Title:  Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Healthy Aging in People with Down Syndrome Date:  May 18, 2022 Presenter:  Brian Chicoine, MD Host Organization:  

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a health issue in the intestines (bowels). It is not clear how common it is in people with Down syndrome (DS).  However, we suspect that IBS is more common i

Menstrual Hygiene

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L and Hannah Graham, MD - Adult Down Syndrome Center

One topic that comes up frequently at the Adult Down Syndrome Center is menstrual hygiene. Women with Down syndrome and their caregivers often ask us about strategies to make periods easier or even to

Adaptive Clothing

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

Dressing can be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome, in part because bilateral coordination and dexterity skills can be challenging for many individuals with Down syndrome. I ha

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

Use of Prolia to Treat Osteoporosis

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

We were asked a question about the use of Prolia to treat osteoporosis in individuals with Down syndrome. Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person's bones become brittle or weak. It can l

Bathing and Showering Tips

Author: Natalie Rivera, OTS and Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational therapy student and occupational therapist

Bathing and showering may be difficult for some individuals with Down syndrome for many reasons. Below are a variety of adaptive strategies and equipment to promote safety and independence with this s

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.

Tips for Washing and Rinsing Hair in the Shower

Author: Adult Down Syndrome Center

Some families have shared with us that washing and rinsing hair can be a challenging task for their loved ones with Down syndrome. We have compiled a list of suggestions from families for mak

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

Showing 1 - 24 of 32
1 2 Next Last Page 1 of 2
 

 

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.

Ask a Question

Join Our Email List Opens in new window

Close