Adult Down Syndrome Center

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a liver condition that used to be referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or fatty liver disease. MASLD is a liver condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver.

MASLD is more common in people with Down syndrome, possibly because of differences in metabolic function in people with Down syndrome compared to people without Down syndrome. Additionally, some of the conditions (such as obesity) that increase the risk of MASLD are more common in people with Down syndrome. There are lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of MASLD and treat MASLD, including:
▪ Losing weight (if the person is overweight or obese)
▪ Eating diets that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
▪ Limiting saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and highly or ultra-processed foods
▪ And others

Learn more in the article by Brian Chicoine, MD, linked below.
🔗https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/masld/

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is any bleeding that occurs in the digestive or GI tract. The GI tract starts at the mouth and ends at the a**s. Medical problems in the GI tract as well as medical problems in other parts of the body can cause GI bleeding. Several medical problems that can cause GI bleeding are more common in people with Down syndrome including:
▪ Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
▪ Celiac disease
▪ Constipation
▪ Ulcers

A variety of tests such as blood tests, f***l occult blood test, CT scan, GI x-rays, and others may be used to determine the cause of GI bleeding. The cause of the GI bleeding guides the treatment. Brian Chicoine, MD, shares more information about GI bleeding in the article linked below.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/gi-bleeding/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

While estimates vary, it is thought that about 40 percent of people with Down syndrome develop a mental health condition during their lifetime.

Sadly, a misperception that persists about people with Down syndrome is that they are always happy and they don’t get stressed. People with Down syndrome can experience the full range of feelings and emotions that people without Down syndrome experience. They can also develop mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Medicinal and/or non-medicinal approaches can help a person with Down syndrome and a co-occurring mental health condition. Our online library has several resources on mental health, including a free PDF version of the book Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome by Dennis McGuire, PhD, and Brian Chicoine, MD (available in Spanish and English).

The PDF is available at this link ➡ https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/mental-wellness-book-2nd-edition/

Urinary retention is the build-up of excessive urine in the bladder. It appears to be more common in people with Down syndrome. Possible complications include:
▪️urinary tract infections
▪️urinary incontinence (accidents)
▪️abdominal pain/discomfort
▪️kidney damage

There are treatments for urinary retention. Urinating every 2-3 hours is one way to prevent the bladder from becoming overfilled. We often recommend using watch/phone alarms, visual schedules, and other reminder systems to encourage individuals with Down syndrome to urinate more regularly.

Learn more about urinary retention in people with Down syndrome in the article linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/urinary-retention/