Are people who have Down syndrome at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease?

Are people who have Down syndrome at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease?

People with Down syndrome are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Down Syndrome Society, Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in about 30% with Down syndrome in their 50s and in about 50% of those in their 60s.

Studies show the extra full or partial chromosome contributes to this increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Genes on chromosome 21 produce amyloid precursor protein, which plays an important role in the brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s patients.