Investment in Alzheimer's disease research for the next generation of adults with Down syndrome will yield health benefits for future generations

Recent innovations in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment highlight critical gaps in knowledge about how to support healthy aging of adults with Down syndrome (DS). RAND researchers updated demographic and epidemiological evidence about the DS population to assess the impact of increased investment in treatment innovations for DS-associated Alzheimer's disease (DS-AD). They estimated life expectancy at birth in 2020 to be 55 years, with ≈ 5 years of DS-AD. They found that the results of investment were dramatic. Between 2020 and 2070, adult years of life are expected to increase by 5 years without any increase in unhealthy years of life with DS-AD. Caregiving hours for individuals with DS-AD are expected to be reduced by 40%, which will generate large annual savings. The new evidence underscores the magnitude of the impact that investment in DS-AD treatments could have for individuals with DS, their families, and caregivers. HIGHLIGHTS: Evidence is sparse about treatment for Down syndrome (DS)-associated Alzheimer's disease (DS-AD) and healthy aging of DS adults. This population simulation model estimates DS-AD caregiving costs at ≈ $1 billion per year. DS-AD innovations could increase life expectancy by 5 years and reduce caregiving by 40% by 2070. This better forecasting can improve policy and service planning. DS-AD research investment could yield dramatic gains for individuals and families.