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

Duration: 37 ms, Number of Results: 26

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Connective Tissue and Down Syndrome

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

Key Points Connective tissue is the tissue that helps hold our bodies together. Connective tissue is different in people with Down syndrome compared to others.  People with Down syndrome have

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

Changes in Gait (Ambulation, Walking)

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

Key Points A change in gait (walking) is a change seen in many people with Down syndrome. There are many possible causes for those changes. Family or other observers can play a critical role in assess

Regression in Persons with Down Syndrome

Author: Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA - Current Consensus Update for Families

Regression in Persons with Down Syndrome: Current Consensus Update for Families   The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA (DSMIG-USA) developed a consensus update for families on Down

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

Overpronation

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

What is overpronation of the ankle? In short, when we walk, typically the outside of our heel strikes the ground first and then the rest of our foot rolls to come in contact with the ground. Then our

Regression & Down Syndrome

Author: National Down Syndrome Society - Website

The Regression & Down Syndrome page  on the National Down Syndrome Society's website has information about Down syndrome regression disorder including symptoms, treatment, and

Decline in Skills and Regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome Webinar Recording (8/31/2022)

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

The video below is a recording of a webinar presented by Brian Chicoine, MD of the Adult Down Syndrome Center. Individuals with Down syndrome may experience decline in skills for many reasons

Development of Atlantoaxial Instability in an Older Person with Down Syndrome

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

The parent of a 47-year-old man with Down syndrome submitted the following question: Can a person with Down syndrome develop atlantoaxial instability in adulthood? My son is 47. When he was younger, X

Trampolines

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

We periodically get asked about the use of trampolines by people with Down syndrome. Trampolines cause many injuries to both children and adults. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Electroconvulsive Therapy, Catatonia, and Regression in People with Down Syndrome

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

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that involves sedating an individual with anesthesia and then inducing a seizure with a short electrical stimulation of the brain (more information can b

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

Bunions in People with Down Syndrome

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

A bunion (also known as hallux valgus) is a bony projection or bump that forms at the base of the big toe. If the joint at the base of the big toe is subjected to great pressure while walking, the big

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

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

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

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

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

Flat Feet in People with Down Syndrome

Author: Lorri Riley, DPM - j1 insoles

The website at the link below discusses flat feet and Down syndrome. The website also contains information about j1 insoles, a line of medical grade insoles for adults and children that are less expen

New Way to Learn How to Tie Shoes

Author: Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

This handout describes an alternative method for tying shoes that may help individuals with Down syndrome be more independent with this task.

Ligamentous Laxity

Author: Peter Waller, DO - Family Medicine Resident, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Ligaments are bands of fibrous connective tissue in our body that connect one bone to another bone and provide support to our joints. In people with Down syndrome, these ligaments tend to be loose lea

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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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