Multidisciplinary Clinic for Dementia and Developmental Delay

Henry Ford Health is among the few programs in the region with a specialized clinic for people with developmental delays like Down syndrome who also have dementia. We use a team (multidisciplinary) approach to address the unique ways they experience these conditions.

About dementia in people with developmental delay

Dementia occurs when changes in brain proteins impact thinking, memory and behavior (cognitive function). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but there are many others.

People with Down syndrome and other developmental delays experience dementias differently, due to:

• Intellectual disabilities: Patients might not understand their symptoms or be able to express how they are affecting them.
• Treatment challenges: Medications that slow dementia progression in other people are not as effective.

What are the chances of Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s?

The risk of dementia increases with age. Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome affects:

• More than 30 percent of individuals in their 50s
• 50 percent or more individuals in their 60s

If your loved one is showing signs of dementia, don’t wait to get help. Experts at Henry Ford provide an accurate diagnosis and the support your family needs.

Signs of dementia in people with Down syndrome and other developmental delays

Typically, the first signs of dementia include forgetfulness, confusion and poor judgment.

People with developmental delay and dementia have slightly different initial symptoms, such as:

• Being uncooperative
• Difficulty communicating
• Loss of interest in socializing and favorite activities
• Mood changes, such as anxiety, agitation and aggression
• Reduced attention

There may also be physical changes and symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty walking
• Lack of coordination and balance issues
• New-onset seizures

Conditions in older age that mimic signs of dementia

Medical issues that come with age can cause symptoms similar to dementia:

• Arthritis causes pain that can make daily tasks challenging.
• Hearing loss, possibly due to wax buildups in narrow ear canals, can complicate communication with your loved one.
• Mental health concerns, like depression, can lead to confusion and poor concentration.
• Sleep apnea causes daytime tiredness, leading to emotional disturbances.
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) causes fatigue and mental fog.
• Vision issues make getting around difficult and mistaken for a lack of coordination.

Multidisciplinary Clinic for Developmental Delay and Dementia: Why choose us?

Our multidisciplinary team includes an experienced neurologist specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia, a social worker, a neuropsychologist and an Alzheimer’s Association social worker. We understand the needs of people with dementia and are here to help.

Services for people with dementia and Down syndrome

Your loved one and family receive comprehensive services that include:

Assessments

We perform thorough assessments considering all possible causes for your loved one’s symptoms. The team also uses research-based methods for assessing cognitive issues in people with developmental delays. This approach enables us to confirm or rule out a dementia diagnosis with confidence.

Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s treatment

Although there is no cure for dementia in people with developmental disability, there are therapies that can optimize your loved one’s quality of life:

• Care for other medical issues: Our team coordinates therapies for conditions causing memory issues, or those that may worsen dementia symptoms. We may make referrals to sleep medicine doctors for sleep apnea, orthopedists for arthritis and behavioral health providers for mood disturbances.
• Lifestyle changes: Everyday habits that support brain health include regular physical activity, restful sleep and a balanced diet. We tailor recommendations to your loved one’s needs and preferences.

Dementia and Down syndrome education

Our team takes time to explain the diagnosis and how you can help your loved one stay as safe, calm and comfortable as possible. We discuss how to detect new or worsening symptoms. You also learn strategies for communicating with your loved one during behavioral challenges and when to seek assistance from our team.

Family-focused support

Social workers provide robust support for the many ways a dementia diagnosis can impact your family. We answer questions and connect you with helpful community resources to address common challenges. Services also include home visits to create a safe living environment and reduce triggers that lead to disruptive behavior.

Contact us

Learn more about care for dementia and developmental delay. Call us at (800) 436-7936 or request an appointment.