Down syndrome, health and disability : a population-based case record and follow-up study

The present study surveyed medical problems and mental health in an unselected populationbased series of people with Down syndrome (DS). All people with DS identified in the Intellectual Disability Service Register in the Kainuu region (n=138) were included, and their health and disability case records in the public services were analysed. The severity of intellectual disability was related to age, gender, and recorded medical problems. Adaptive behaviour changes were assessed among adults repeatedly during ten years using the Adaptive Behaviour Scale Residential and Community, Part I. The study evaluated health surveillance and practices were compared to the national Current Care guidelines. Numerous medical problems and behavioural symptoms were recorded in this population. Surgical treatments were used extensively. The number of medical problems varied to a great degree among participants. Health problems were extensive from birth to old age. Many health concerns were age-related. The degree of intellectual disability related to visual and neurological impairments. Depression, and among participants in their forties and older, Alzheimer’s disease were the most common underlying reasons for changes in adaptive behaviour. A gradual functional decline and dementia affected many participants at a relatively early age. Visual acuity and hearing should be regularly monitored in all individuals with DS because of a high prevalence of visual impairment and hearing loss in this population. There was a general lack of evidence that the health care guidelines initiated five years ago were being followed. This suggests that possibilities to enhance health have not been optimally implemented. Therefore, further efforts are needed to diagnose and treat medical problems in people with DS.