Down syndrome: Testing during adulthood

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Down syndrome: Testing during adulthood

Down syndrome can cause a variety of health problems related to physical and mental functions. These problems vary in number and severity for each person. Adults with Down syndrome should have regularly scheduled exams by a doctor to identify signs of any problems. The sooner health issues are recognized, the better they can be managed.

Adults with Down syndrome should receive care from a coordinated team of health professionals. Treatment should focus on monitoring and recognizing changing physical, mental, and emotional needs. It is important to make sure an adult with Down syndrome has long-term medical insurance. Also it is a good idea to think about what services might be needed in the future, who will provide them, and how you will pay for them.

The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) has set some basic standards for regular health exams for adults with Down syndrome. They recommend that during regular exams, doctors evaluate the adult for:¹

• Symptoms of sleep apnea.
• Behavioral changes or signs of mental health problems.
• Dementia. Symptoms may include a decline in function, memory loss, problems with movement control (ataxia), seizures, and problems controlling the release of urine or stool. Doctors will closely evaluate these symptoms to see whether they might be related to atlantoaxial dislocation (dislocation of the first two neck bones).
• Weight gain and signs of obesity.
• Heart problems, such as mitral valve prolapse or aortic valve regurgitation.
• Problems with the reproductive organs. Women will have pelvic exams. If they are sexually active, a Pap test is needed every 1 to 3 years. In some cases, a screening ultrasound may be done every 2 to 3 years instead of a pelvic exam.
• Breast problems. Women will have a yearly breast exam.
• Thyroid problems. People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for developing thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism, and they should be screened every year with a blood test for related problems.
• Hearing problems. Hearing should be tested at least every 2 years.
• Eye problems. An adult should have a thorough eye exam at least every 2 years.

References

Citations

1. Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (1999). Health care guidelines for individuals with Down syndrome: 1999 revision. Down Syndrome Quarterly, 4(3): 1–42.

Credits

Last updated:	August 09, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, David Smith, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC