Neuropsychological Assessments Of Dementia In Down Syndrome And Intellectual Disabilities

This book reviews important neuropsychological measures currently used in the assessment of dementia by the principal clinicians and researchers associated with the test, offering practical guidance on each test along with an analysis of its limitations.

This fully updated and expanded second edition of a successful book reviews the most important neuropsychological measures currently used in the assessment of dementia by the principal clinicians and researchers associated with the tests. Several clinicians and research workers, who have been at the forefront in developing the tests in question, provide clear practical guidance on the scope of each test, use in research, as well as an analysis of their accuracy and limitations. The international contributors have brought together a concise and practical guide on the role of neuropsychological testing to support the dementia assessment. Neuropsychological Assessments of Dementia in Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities, Second Edition is an essential reference for all those working in the field of dementia and intellectual disabilities.

CAMDEX-DS is a comprehensive assessment tool for diagnosing dementia in people with Down's syndrome (a group known to be at particular risk of dementia). Based upon CAMDEX-R, CAMDEX-DS has been modified for use with intellectual disability. In order to differentiate decline due to dementia or other mental disorders from pre-existing impairment, particular emphasis has been placed on establishing change from the individual's best level of functioning. The pack is comprised of a structured informant interview, a direct assessment of the patient/participant (CAMCOG), and guidance for diagnosis and post-diagnosis intervention, providing a reliable way to identify dementia (and to differentiate it from other common disorders). It may be used in community settings by mental health professionals as part of the diagnostic process, or to formalize diagnosis in the context of research. Use of the CAMCOG provides the means for ongoing neuropsychological evaluation and informs future support and intervention strategies.

The basic aim of this book is to help carers and professionals living or working with adults with intellectual disability to understand further Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Research on the multiple aspects of cognitive impairment in Down syndrome (DS), from genes to behavior to treatment, has made tremendous progress in the last decade. The study of congenital intellectual disabilities such as DS is challenging since they originate from the earliest stages of development and both the acquisition of cognitive skills and neurodegenerative pathologies are cumulative. Comorbidities such as cardiac malformations, sleep apnea, diabetes and dementia are frequent in the DS population, as well, and their increased risk provides a means of assessing early stages of these pathologies that is relevant to the general population. Notably, persons with DS will develop the histopathology of Alzheimer’s disease (formation of neuritic plaques and tangles) and are at high risk for dementia, something that cannot be predicted in the population at large. Identification of the gene encoding the amyloid precursor protein, its localization to chromosome 21 in the 90’s and realization that all persons with DS develop pathology identified this as an important piece of the amyloid cascade hypothesis in Alzheimer’s disease. Awareness of the potential role of people with DS in understanding progression and treatment as well as identification of genetic risk factors and also protective factors for AD is reawakening. For the first time since DS was recognized, major pharmaceutical companies have entered the search for ameliorative treatments, and phase II clinical trials to improve learning and memory are in progress. Enriched environment, brain stimulation and alternative therapies are being tested while clinical assessment is improving, thus increasing the chances of success for therapeutic interventions. Researchers and clinicians are actively pursuing the possibility of prenatal treatments for many conditions, an area with a huge potential impact for developmental disorders such as DS. Our goal here is to present an overview of recent advances with an emphasis on behavioral and cognitive deficits and how these issues change through life in DS. The relevance of comorbidities to the end phenotypes described and relevance of pharmacological targets and possible treatments will be considerations throughout.

This is the first book in the field to address the underlying biological abnormalities of Dementia in Alzheimer’s Disease (DAD) in people with Down syndrome. It brings together research findings relating to the neuropathology, genetics, blood markers and neurophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease presents vital information to medical professionals who provide clinical care to people with Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. It will also be of great benefit to researchers with an interest in Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome and academics researching ageing issues in people with Down Syndrome. It complements Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia in Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities by the same author.

The CAMDEX-DS-II is a standardised structured schedule comprising the assessments necessary for facilitating the diagnosis of dementia in people with Down's syndrome (a group known to be at particular risk of dementia), as well as others with intellectual disabilities. In order to differentiate decline due to dementia or other mental disorders from pre-existing impairment, particular emphasis has been placed on establishing change from the individual's best level of functioning. Updated from the original CAMDEX-DS-II, the assessments comprise a structured informant interview to facilitate the systematic collection of information about presenting symptoms and clinical history in order to arrive at a differential diagnosis, and a direct assessment of the patient/participant covering cognitive assessment (CAMCOG-DS-II, providing a reliable way to identify dementia (and to differentiate it from other common disorders). The pack comprises a guidance manual, pictorial booklet, informant interview and CAMCOG-DS neuropsychological test battery. It may be used in community settings by mental health professionals as part of the diagnostic process, or to formalise diagnosis.

International Review of Research in Mental Retardation

Presenting the most up-to-date information available about dementia and intellectual disabilities, this book brings together the latest international research and evidence-based practice, and describes clearly the relevance and implications for support and services Internationally renowned experts from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands discuss good practice and the way forward in relation to assessment, diagnosis, interventions, staff knowledge and training, care pathways, service design, measuring outcomes and the experiences of individuals, families and carers. The wealth of information offered will inform support and services throughout the whole course of dementia, from diagnosis to end of life. Particular emphasis is placed on how intellectual disability and dementia services can work collaboratively to offer more effective, joined up support. Practitioners, managers and commissioners will find this to be an informative resource for developing person-centred provision for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia and their families. It will also be a key text for academics and students who wish to be up-to-date with the latest research and practice developments in this field.

People with Down Syndrome show a specific developmental profile with strengths in social understanding and visual learning and memory, and more difficulties with motor processes, speech and language, and auditory-vocal short-term memory. It is important that parents, practitioners and teachers know this and adapt interventions and educational approaches to take account of this particular profile. This is the only book to date that explains the developmental profile of people with Down Syndrome from its many different angles. It covers a range of perspectives, including the biology, psychology, speech and language, health care, and social competence of both children and adults with Down Syndrome. All the information is gathered and placed in the context of the neuro-genetic science that is developing around this area.