people with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. Fifty years ago, the average life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome was 25. Today it is closer to 60, with many individuals living into their 70s. This is a triumph of medicine, advocacy, and inclusion — and it has created a new set of care challenges that families and service providers are still learning to navigate.
The Early Aging Reality
Adults with Down syndrome experience age-related changes earlier than the typical population — often beginning in their late 30s and 40s.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most significant concern. Adults with Down syndrome have a dramatically elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s — research suggests that by age 65, more than 90% show the neuropathological changes associated with the disease, and more than half develop clinical dementia. Symptoms often appear earlier than in the general population, sometimes in the 40s or early 50s.
This means families of adults with Down syndrome may find themselves managing the intersection of intellectual disability and dementia simultaneously — a combination that requires significant expertise and patience.
physical changes also emerge earlier: hearing loss, vision changes, thyroid conditions, sleep apnea, and musculoskeletal issues all occur at higher rates and earlier ages.
How Home Care Needs Change with Age
The goal of home care is to maintain as much continuity, familiarity, and independence as possible while adapting to changing needs. This requires caregivers who understand both the developmental disability context and the aging process — not every caregiver has both.
Supporting Families Who Are Aging Too
Many aging adults with Down syndrome are cared for by aging parents — often in their 70s and 80s — who are themselves facing health challenges. Transition planning is one of the most important and most avoided conversations in this community. Care partners can be part of this planning conversation.
Regional Center and Other Resources
Adults with Down syndrome in Orange County are likely eligible for services through the Regional Center of Orange County. If your family member is already a Regional Center client, request an Ipp meeting to discuss whether current services are adequate given age-related changes.
Call Care partners for a free consultation about specialized home care for aging adults with Down syndrome.