Alzheimer's and Down's Syndrome, The Alzheimer's Librar...

Advances in medical care have resulted in longer life expectancy for people with Down syndrome. Many adults with Down syndrome now live well into their 50s and 60s. Almost all people with Down syndrome who live into their 40s and beyond will develop the abnormal brain changes (the plaques and tangles) that characterize the brain in Alzheimer's disease. It is important to note, however, that not all people with Down syndrome who develop these brain changes will go on to develop dementia.