Comparing Generational Differences in Persons With Down Syndrome

Due to advances in care and medical treatment there has been a steady improvement in the life expectancy and quality of life for persons with Down syndrome (DS). It is not known if the increase in longevity will also mean that age-dependent diseases in a younger generation of adults with DS will occur at a later age. Comparing two generations of adults can give us insight into the different health aspects experienced by adults with DS. Methods: A prospective longitudinal DS study cohort was set up, consisting of participants at a DS outpatient clinic. This clinic provides a yearly multidisciplinary DS Health Watch program. Since its inception, 141 persons have agreed to participate in a longitudinal prospective study, the Health Watch study. They visited the outpatient clinic annually from 2007 to 2015, a mean follow-up of about 5 years (0.1-8.4 years). The mean age of the participants was 33.9 years (18-70 years). Of those, 25% were younger than 20 and 25% were older than 44. Cross-sectional data were used to compare the generations. Results: Findings are baseline data of this longitudinal Health Watch study. The results show a discrepancy in health conditions and functional characteristics between those in the age category of 44 years and older and those below the age of 20 years. Conclusion: This study suggests that differences observed between the generations are possible predictors of a healthier state and longer life expectancy for a younger generation of adults with DS. Only a longitudinal follow-up can confirm these findings.