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Aging and Down Syndrome: Implications for Physical Therapy

RC Barnhart, PT, ScDPT, PCS, is Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy, East Tennessee State University, Box 70624, Johnson City, TN 37614
B Connolly, PT, EdD, FAPTA, is UTNAA Distinguished Service Professor and Chairperson, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tenn

Address all correspondence to Dr Barnhart at: barnhart{at}etsu.edu

The number of people over the age of 60 years with lifelong developmental delays is predicted to double by 2030. Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent chromosomal cause of developmental delays. As the life expectancy of people with DS increases, changes in body function and structure secondary to aging have the potential to lead to activity limitations and participation restrictions for this population. The purpose of this update is to: (1) provide an overview of the common body function and structure changes that occur in adults with DS as they age (thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, Alzheimer disease, depression) and (2) apply current research on exercise to the prevention of activity limitations and participation restrictions. As individuals with DS age, a shift in emphasis from disability prevention to the prevention of conditions that lead to activity and participation limitations must occur. Exercise programs appear to have potential to positively affect the overall health of adults with DS, thereby increasing the quality of life and years of healthy life for these individuals.