Why do people with Down’s Syndrome have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s?
People with Down’s Syndrome are born with an extra piece of DNA, which means they also have an extra copy of the APP gene.
Alzheimer’s Research UK explained: “This leads to the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain, which play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
“While not everyone with Down Syndrome will go on to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s, most people with the condition over the age of 40 will have amyloid build-up.
“It is estimated that about 50 percent of people with Down syndrome develop symptoms like memory loss, usually in their 50’s and 60’s.”