Aging and Alzheimer Disease in People with Mental Retardation

Warren B. Zigman, Nicole Schupf, April Zigman, Wayne Silverman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter describes Alzheimer disease, clinically and pathologically. It illustrates the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease and integrates this relationship with an overall plan of research and service for elderly people with mental retardation. There is a need for training and treatment of the staff to recognize the early signs and symptoms of new secondary disabilities related to the aging process. Treatable conditions, such as depression, thyroid dysfunction, or systemic infections can produce symptoms resembling Alzheimer dementia. Therefore, if behavioral deterioration is because of one of these conditions, proper treatment can be initiated, and the condition ameliorated or reversed. There is a pressing need to develop day and residential programs that can provide appropriate care for dementing clients, who cannot be maintained in their current programs or family circumstances.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)41-70
Number of pages30
JournalInternational Review of Research in Mental Retardation
Volume19
Issue numberC
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1993
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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