Cognitive Rehabilitation of Dementia in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Review of Non-Pharmacological Interventions.
BACKGROUND
There is a close genetic relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS), AD being the most severe mental disorder affecting ageing individuals with DS. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation interventions in DS patients with AD by means of a critical literature review.


CONCLUSIONS
Because AD is progressive and irreversible, treatment is aimed at delaying and reducing the cognitive and functional decline in order to preserve or improve quality of life. The effects that pharmacological treatments and cognitive interventions have on elderly individuals with AD are well documented. Recent clinical trials have investigated the use of pharmacological treatment in DS patients with AD, generating preliminary results that have been unfavourable.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a clear lack of studies addressing the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation interventions in DS patients with AD, and there is an urgent need for studies providing evidence to inform decisions regarding the appropriate choice of treatment strategies.
Old Age Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Brazil.
Luciana Mascarenhas
LM
Fonseca
Department of Paediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Anna Carolina Rufino
AC
Navatta
Old Age Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Brazil.
Cássio M C
CM
Bottino
Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Eliane Correa
EC
Miotto
Alzheimer's disease; Dementia; Down syndrome; Early intervention; Geriatrics; Rehabilitation; Therapeutics