Health maintenance throughout the life span for individuals with Down syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the routine health maintenance needs of individuals with Down syndrome who have specialized health needs associated with the multi-system impact of the diagnosis.


METHODS
Review of scientific literature including peer-reviewed articles, books, and online resources.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to the routine health maintenance needs of all persons, those with Down syndrome have specialized needs. Failure to address these specific health maintenance concerns may lead to misdiagnoses and failure to reach the highest level of function possible.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with Down syndrome who have legitimate, treatable diagnoses may be misdiagnosed as having behavior problems or dementia. Failure to identify abnormalities such as cardiac problems or sleep apnea may shorten life and interfere with ability to live life to the fullest.
Bosch
Joni Jacobsen
JJ
Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, USA. joni-bosch@uiowa.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008603:Mental Health; D010346:Patient Care Management; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy