Carr Janet, Collins Suzanne
Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK.
J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2018 Sep;31(5):743-750. doi: 10.1111/jar.12438. Epub 2018 Mar 2.
A population sample of people with Down syndrome, studied from infancy, has now been followed up at the age of 50 years. From the original sample of 54, there were 27 still in the study at the age of 50, all but four of the losses resulting from deaths.
Intelligence and language skills were tested and daily living skills assessed. Memory/cognitive deterioration was examined using two test instruments. Other aspects of the people's lives were examined via carers' reports.
Scores on verbal tests showed little change. Those on a non-verbal test, on self-help skills and on both memory tests showed some decline, even when the scores of those already suffering from dementia were discounted.
At the age of 50, those not already diagnosed with dementia showed some decline on most tests. While this may include scores of people who subsequently develop dementia, it may also reflect the normal ageing process in this population.
一项针对唐氏综合征患者的人群样本研究，从婴儿期开始跟踪，如今已随访至50岁。最初的54名样本中，50岁时仍有27人参与研究，除4人外，其余失访均因死亡。
测试智力和语言技能，并评估日常生活技能。使用两种测试工具检查记忆/认知衰退情况。通过护理人员的报告了解这些人的生活其他方面情况。
语言测试得分变化不大。非语言测试、自助技能测试以及两项记忆测试的得分均有下降，即便排除已患痴呆症者的得分。
50岁时，未被诊断出痴呆症的人在大多数测试中都有一定程度的下降。这可能包括随后患上痴呆症者的得分，也可能反映了该人群的正常衰老过程。
