Levodopa-Responsive Early-Onset Parkinsonism in Down Syndrome

Abstract

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) can develop Alzheimer's disease as early as 30 to 40 years old, but parkinsonism is rarely described. We report on a 20-year-old woman with Down syndrome and parkinsonism who responded dramatically to carbidopa-levodopa. We propose that the occurrence of parkinsonism in individuals with DS may be underreported. Recognizing and treating this condition may improve quality of life.

Prevention and Treatment of Basic Diseases: A Potential Direction to Intervene Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Moreover, studies have found that some people aged only more than 30 years can be observed higher level of β-amyloid in the brain [2]. While Individuals with Down's syndrome have been diagnosed with AD at the age of 30 to 40 [3]. Although these evidences do not prove that AD will be produced after aging, there is clear evidence that the prevalence of Aβ related to age [4].…”