Study Examines Sex Differences in Alzheimer Disease-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Adults With Down Syndrome

Although there were no significant differences in Alzheimer disease (AD)-related neuropsychiatric symptoms among adults with Down syndrome (DS), men with dementia had more difficulty maintaining activities and interest compared with women, according to a recent study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

“Several studies have found that the onset of new neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms in DS is associated with AD progression,” the researchers wrote. “There is evidence in the neurotypical population that AD-related apathy is more severe among [men], while [women] display higher prevalence of depression, psychosis, and delusions.”

Shaka and colleagues included 155 adults with DS from the Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome (ADDS) study. To assess cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms, caregivers completed several standardized questionnaires, including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire and the Dementia Questionnaire for People with Learning Disabilities. The researchers classified participants into two groups: cognitively stable individuals (n = 113), and those exhibiting possible or probable AD dementia (n = 42).

The results showed no significant main effects of sex on the neuropsychiatric measures overall. However, men with dementia had greater difficulty in maintaining activities and interest compared with women participants. This finding suggests that as AD progresses, men may experience increased apathy and withdrawal, the authors noted.

“AD appears to affect men and women differently after the transition to dementia,” the researchers concluded. “Affected [men] engage in fewer activities and are less interested in their surroundings than [women], suggesting greater apathy or withdrawal, despite the lack of sex differences in depressive symptomology during the preclinical and clinical stages of AD.”

Reference:
Shaka S, Hom C, Krinsky-McHale S, et al. Sex Differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease in Down syndrome. Presented at: Alzheimer's Association International Conference; July 28-August 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://aaic.alz.org/about/overview.asp.