The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

Alzheimer’s Disease and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Alzheimer's disease is a slowly progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain that eventually results in abnormal brain function and death.  It is marked by a gradual decline in brain functioning that gets worse with time.  It is most common in people over 65.  For more information please contact the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900 or visit them online at www.alz.org.

Alzheimer's disease or dementia can also affect people with developmental disabilities. It most commonly affects individuals who are over 40, diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, have a head injury or have a history of Alzheimer's disease in the family. 

The presence of these factors does not mean that the person will have Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.  However, the presence of one or more of these risks should alert the care provider to the increased probability of the person with a developmental disability developing this disease. 

For more information please contact the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900, visit them online at www.alz.org, or contact The Arc of Western Wayne County at 734-729-9100.

Phone code: 1709