A woman with Down syndrome high-fives her doctor.

Down Syndrome-associated Alzheimer's Disease For Healthcare Professionals

Down Syndrome-associated Alzheimer's Disease Resources for Professionals

As a clinician and a trusted resource for families, healthcare professionals are essential in making sure patients and their families are informed about health risks and care. By starting conversations about DS-AD, healthcare professionals can help individuals with Down syndrome and their families better understand Alzheimer’s disease risks, prepare for the future, and learn about opportunities in research and clinical trials. Doctors, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers.

This page provides healthcare professionals with:

  • Access to free clinical education opportunities to learn more about DS-AD through CARE Down Syndrome, including the foundational course and the Alzheimer’s Disease reference article

  • Resources to share with families and caregivers to support conversations about DS-AD

  • Information on DS-AD research and clinical trial opportunities, keeping you informed and enabling you to guide families interested in learning more

Looking for additional information or resources? Contact us at health@ndss.org.

...In a recent survey of 200 caregivers, nearly 91% reported they had never discussed Down syndrome–associated Alzheimer’s disease (DS-AD) in detail with a healthcare professional. 

We can solve this together.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

DS-AD Tools and Resources for Professionals

GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome

Evidence-based medical recommendations to support clinicians in their care of adults with Down syndrome. 

Latest Research Publications 

Latest NDSS peer-reviewed publications related to Down syndrome. 

Guidance and Resources for Professionals 

A knowledge hub about dementia and neuroatypical conditions for clinicians, researchers, caregivers, and individuals. 

Specific Resources Related to Dementia and Down syndrome

Screening tools, guides, and other resources for healthcare professionals.

Tools and Resources to Share With Families

NDSS Alzheimer’s Disease & Down Syndrome: A Practical Guidebook for Caregivers   

A comprehensive introduction for families, the NDSS Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome Guidebook covers the basics of DS-AD and offers practical tips, caregiver supports, and resources. 

What to Expect Video Series

The What to Expect Video Series features self-advocates completing medical procedures, such as brain imaging and a lumbar puncture, in step-by-step videos to help alleviate anxiety and ensure the experience is as smooth as possible. 

Resources for Caregivers

National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices has a library of tools and resources for caregivers about dementia and ID/D.

Ready to Support Families Interested in Research?

A middle-aged man in a white coat with a kindly face and a stethoscope in his ears has his hand on the back of a young man wearing a blue shirt.

Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals

A white man with Down syndrome is seated in an exam chair wearing a gray polo shirt. He is having his blood drawn by a white woman with short auburn hair and glasses, wearing scrubs and purple exam gloves.

Imaging & LP Procedure Videos

An Asian woman with short brown hair is wearing glasses, a white lab coat, and a stethoscope around her neck. She is at a desk with a keyboard and is reading a screen.

DS-AD Article for Healthcare Professionals

An older woman with Down syndrome is wearing a colorful shirt and has short, graying hair. She is standing in front of a window, and smiling directly at the camera.

ABC-DS Study of DS-AD