Studies have shown that the gene for Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to chromosome 21, the chromosome of which individuals with Down syndrome have an extra copy. Though the evidence is not concrete, there is reason to believe that individuals with Down syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Thus, it is important that these individuals have equitable access to the proper treatment for Alzheimer’s, cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil (Aricept).

The Impact of a Duplicate of Chromosome 21 on Memory

 In 2004, the Down Syndrome Association of the United Kingdom published a statement accusing doctors of discriminating against patients with Down syndrome by neglecting to offer and provide them with the proper and necessary social and medical treatments for cognitive development. The Association argued that this discrimination has led to increased rates of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down syndrome. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Individuals with Down syndrome often experience inadequate medical access because of societal and communication boundaries, and because of sociocultural contexts. For example, this discrimination inhibits those with Down syndrome from receiving proper access throughout the course of their lives in receiving the necessary types of doctors and treatments. 

Discrimination in medical settings

Singh D. (2004). Doctors accused of discriminating against Down's syndrome patients. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 329(7466), 591. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7466.591

Doctors accused of discriminating against Down's syndrome patients

The transition from pediatric care to adult care is a medical changeover that is often more difficult for patients with Down syndrome than typically developing ones. A study from the American Journal of Medical Genetics revealed that a relatively large proportion of individuals with Down syndrome are unable to undergo a transition from pediatric to adult care because of discriminatory socioeconomic or cultural barriers, and that adults with Down syndrome who remain in pediatric care tended to experience poorer health outcomes and higher rates of complications from common comorbidities, such as heart disease. This study exemplifies how societal bias limits the health outcomes of individuals with Down syndrome. 

Transition from pediatric care to adult care

Doctors accused of discriminating against Down's syndrome patients, leading to higher rates of dementia

On April 9th, 1982, an infant recorded only by the name of “Infant Doe” was born in a hospital in Bloomington, Indiana. The baby was born with a blocked esophagus, thus requiring an immediate surgery to allow food to reach the stomach and nourish the infant. However, the infant’s parents decided to withhold from the surgery, as advised by the physician. The physician’s argument for this advice is unclear. Nonetheless, Infant Doe died six days after birth as a result of malnourishment. This case sparked national attention to and concern for the neglection of care for individuals with Down syndrome by medical professionals. 

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