PRECOCIOUS AGING AND DEMENTIA IN PATIENTS WITH DOWNS-SYNDROME

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (5) , 619-627
Abstract
Unselected institutionalized patients (50) with Down''s syndrome were studied to determine the clinical course of precocious aging and mental and neurological deterioration. Statistically significant differences were established in neurological and psychiatric abnormalities and mental deterioration in patients below and above age 35, indicating progressive changes in the CNS. Higher incidence of recent memory loss, impairment of short-term visual retention, frontal release signs, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, long-tract signs and psychiatric problems were demonstrated. The presence of external features of precocious aging was noted. Down''s syndrome appears to be a human chromosomal abnormality in which genetically determined biochemical defects leading to precocious aging and dementia can be studied.

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