Aging with Down Syndrome and IDD: Navigating Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with People Inc. to present a conference on Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down syndrome or other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The conference, titled “Aging with Down Syndrome and IDD: The Intersection of Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease,” will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, at People Inc. Rehabilitative Services, located at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. The event will also be available via Zoom. Families and professionals are invited to attend to learn more about dementia prevalence, diagnosis, treatment options, and free supportive resources.
At least 50% of adults with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer’s disease as they age. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this increased prevalence may be caused by extra genes present due to an extra copy of chromosome 21, which also contributes to other developmental and health issues in people with Down syndrome.
“Sharing this information is key to supporting advocacy for people with disabilities,” says Amara May, director of program outreach at the WNY Chapter, who has a brother with Down syndrome. “Alzheimer's and other dementias have a major impact on the health of those in the IDD community. By staying informed and empowering caregivers with knowledge, we can help ensure better care and understanding of the disease.”
Nationally renowned expert Brian Chicoine, MD, will present an overview on the links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Chicoine is Center in Park the medical director of the Adult Down Syndrome Ridge, Illinois, which he co-founded in 1992. The center has served and documented the health and psychosocial needs of more than 6,000 adolescents and adults with Down syndrome since its inception.
Other speakers include Sarah Harlock, program director of the DENT Integrative Center for Memory and vice chair of the WNY Chapter’s board of directors, who will share information on local resources available to families, and Elizabeth Randall, a licensed psychologist with People Inc., who will discuss the importance of baseline assessments.
Registration is required and can be completed online at bit.ly/AlzDownApril2025 or by calling 800.272.3900. The conference is supported, in part, by grants from the New York State Department of Health.