End-stae dementia in adults with down syndrome

End-stage dementia in adults with Down syndrome has not been fully investigated. Available information, 6 months prior to death, for 20 adults with Down syndrome who had died with Alzheimer's disease was reviewed. A terminal stage of severe intellectual deterioration, marked personality and mood changes, loss of sphincter control, seizure activity, immobility with hypertonia and complete loss of self-care skills was found. These findings have important clinical and service implications.