Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease: children grow older.

The co-morbidity of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease is an increased reality due to an increased life expectancy among individuals with Down syndrome and the very early onset of Alzheimer's disease in this population. In addition, deinstitutionalization and mainstreaming these patients into the general community setting has meant that individuals with Down syndrome are dependent upon neighborhood practitioners for needed dental services. This article presents a review of the natural history of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, along with the particular signs and symptoms of individuals with these co-morbidities and the implications for dental practice.