Interview regarding new section on intellectual and developmental disabilities
Dr. Seth Keller spoke to the new 'Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Section' of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The goal of this section is providing resources and training to improve the medical care of all age persons who have an intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
A key focus of the section is addressing the issue faced when transitioning from a pediatric to the adult medical care world. Many adults face complications, including epilepsy and other seizure disorders, as well as movement disorders and spasticity, that warrant special attention.
Dr. Keller noted that “in older adults, one thing that’s quite prevalent in this group is younger-onset dementia, especially among adults with Down syndrome -- 60% of who may show the symptoms of Alzheimer disease by age 60. It's a real challenge and a tragedy when these difficulties arise in this population.”