Developmental Disabilities and Dementia

Call us: 858.492.4400

Individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than in the past. And getting older can bring new health challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning-thinking, remembering and reasoning-and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.

Although it is well known that older people are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it is less well known that individuals with intellectual disabilities, especially Down syndrome, are also at high risk of the disease. Adults with Down syndrome show a much higher prevalence of developing Alzheimer’s: about 60% among adults aged 60 and older. There is also a higher rate among younger age adults with Down syndrome – about 20% among adults aged 40 and older.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can bring a lot of new challenges, and can be demanding both physically and emotionally. Caregivers have a lot of new dynamics to navigate, and can often feel stress and fatigue in ways that are new from prior caregiving experiences. That’s where we can help.

Alzheimer’s San Diego provides free support and education for people living with dementia, their families, and the community.

Do you have questions? You’re not sure where to start? Give us a call or stop by our office for personal support. You don’t have to go through this alone!

We’re here to help: To get started, call 858.492.4400 and ask to speak to one of our dementia experts.

Coping With Caregiving for Developmental Disability Care Partners

Coping with Caregiving is a 5-week series to support care partners of those with both Down syndrome & dementia.

You’ll learn about dementia, develop new caregiving techniques, & learn how to relieve stress in a supportive, understanding environment.

The series schedule will be based on participant availability, and will be offered via Zoom. If you’re interested in enrolling, please contact Kristen Romea at kromea@alzsd.org or 858.369.7240. A brief screening is required.

Talk to an Expert

We offer free one-on-one consultations with a dementia expert who can provide supportive counseling, talk through difficult situations and work privately with you to develop a personalized plan for the future. Get guidance on:

Understanding dementia
Creating a plan to obtain necessary care
Options for symptom management
Addressing the emotional impact of the disease
Available community resources

Our team can speak with you by Zoom, phone, email, or in-person. Contact Kristen Romea at kromea@alzsd.org or 858.369.7240 for more info.

Classes for Families

Our classes teach families caring for people living with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities about how Alzheimer’s & dementia may affect them now and in the future. Topics include:

Causes of dementia
Adapting to changes in behavior
Planning for the future
Resources available to support families in the county.

Upcoming classes are offered online & in person — check the schedule for our next class. For more general information on dementia, caregiving, and planning, check out our general education classes.

IDD Professional Consultations

We offer free support to professionals who serve individuals with developmental disabilites and dementia. Speak with a licensed clinical social worker to discuss how best to support clients living with developmental disabilities and their families. Topics include:

Navigating changing care needs
Behavioral symptoms
Supporting family caregivers
Long-term care planning
Community resources

Schedule a Zoom, phone, or in-person consultation by contacting Kristen Romea at kromea@alzsd.org or 858.369.7240.

Class for Professionals

This training is for professionals working with people living with developmental disabilities about how Alzheimer’s & dementia affect this vulnerable population. Topics include:

Causes of dementia
Adapting to changes in behavior
Planning for safety concerns

For more information, contact Joaquin Ortiz at jortiz@alzsd.org.

Resources:

Get up-to-date information on programs, classes, and other resources.

This project was supported by grant number 90ADPI0066-01-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.