Researchers study aging adults with Down syndrome

An IU research team is striving to understand the aging process for adults with Down syndrome. A study led by Barbara Hawkins, professor and director of the Center on Aging and Aged, has enabled researchers to comprehend aging differences between adults with Down syndrome and those without.\nHawkins found common aging processes like personal care, social and communication skills and memory status begin to decline at an earlier age for Down syndrome adults when compared with adults without the syndrome. \n"In general, people with Down syndrome will begin to experience aging-related losses in an increasing rate beginning in the mid-40s," Hawkins said. "Their overall life expectancy remains shorter than people without Down syndrome."\nBut Hawkins reports when testing short and long-term memory, those with Down syndrome have continued to further their comprehension and normal, everyday processing well into mid-life. \n"On the positive side, in the two areas of auditory processing and comprehension knowledge, growth was shown well beyond age 50," she said.\nThe study was conducted over a 10-year period, beginning in 1987. With a team of both students and professors, different specializations provided a variety of knowledge. \nAlice Foose, a Ph.D. candidate studying leisure behavior, took part in the study as "a research assistant to other researchers" as well. Foose had no comment on the research.\nFoose joined Hawkins, professor in the school of education Susan Eklund, who was unavailiable for comment, and associate professor of sociology David James, in writing an article on the study, which is scheduled for publication later this year in the Journal of Mental Retardation. \nAccording to the National Down Syndrome Society, Down syndrome is a genetic condition and "all people with Down syndrome have an extra, critical portion of the number 21 chromosome present in all, or some, of their cells." \nThe additional genetic material alters the course of development for the individual and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome, which affects over 350,000 Americans. These characteristics include mild to moderate mental retardation, short stature and a flattened facial profile. \nCurrently there is no cure for Down syndrome, but Hawkins recommends a different treatment method to assist with aging concerns.\n"From a practical point of view, providing programs and services that respond to these aging processes should begin at an earlier age for adults with Down syndrome," she said. \nAlthough the study did not result in a cure for Down syndrome or the complications involved in the aging process, it provides awareness and a better understanding for future research.\n"Tremendous gains have been made in the last 50 years or so in improving the health, quality of life and life expectancy of people born with Down syndrome," Hawkins said.\nWith these gains come great challenges, but with the research completed, Hawkins hopes that more can be done to improve the complications from the syndrome. \n"These challenges include understanding the aging process in this population and the implications of earlier onset of aging-related declines for the provision of programs, services, and supports," Hawkins said.