Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition characterized by having three copies of chromosome 21 and has typically associated phenotypic and physiologic manifestations. Individuals with DS are at risk for a variety of medical conditions throughout their lifespan (Smith, 2001). Currently, there are an estimated 212,000 people with DS living in the United States (De Graaf, Buckley, & Skotko, 2017). The overall prevalence of DS continues to increase as lifespan improves due to advances in medical and psychosocial care, with many individuals with DS living well into their 60s (Bittles & Glasson 2004). As a result, individuals with DS are now reaching the age where chronic diseases impacted by decades of lifestyle habits often begin to present with complications. Physical activity is an important modifiable health behaviour that holds promise to mitigate several debilitating conditions that can co-occur with DS. For example, adults with DS are at increased risk for developing obesity and osteoporosis, both conditions known to improve with increased physical activity within the neurotypical population (Carfì et al., 2017; Rubin, Rimmer, Chicoine, Braddock, & McGuire, 1998). Adults with DS also have a substantially increased risk for dementia over time, and recent research has shown promise in using physical activity as a tool for preventing cognitive decline and progression of Alzheimer's type disease in this high-risk population (Ptomey et al., 2018). Despite the potential benefits of physical activity in DS, previous studies have indicated that individuals with DS have low levels of physical activity compared to the general population (Esposito,
Compared to the general population, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at a significantly increased risk to develop mental health conditions. This study sought to examine individuals with DS and co-existing mental health comorbidities at one DS specialty clinic. Retrospective chart review of medical records including demographics, genetic testing history, personal and familial mental health history, referrals for mental health indications, and recommendations was performed. Summary statistics, logistic regression, and log of odds were converted to odd ratios to assess associations and significance. The charts of 327 patients, average 19.4 years of age (1-70), were reviewed. Nearly half the participants (42.2%) had at least one diagnosis of a mental health condition. Those with a family history were significantly more likely to have a personal diagnosis of a mental health condition than those without a family history (p < 0.01). Moreover, those who completed referrals often received medical management recommendations (86%). This study highlights the prevalence of mental health comorbidities among individuals with DS, and the referral process for mental health conditions, at one DS specialty clinic. Further research is needed to investigate our family history findings, and to determine if these results are generalizable across other DS clinics.
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