Down's Syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.There are several characteristics of the condition which are obvious such as a typical facial appearance,learning disabilities and hidden problems such as heart abnormalities.The IQ of sufferers is usually in the mild to moderately severe range of the disability learning spectrum (less than 70).
Many Down's Syndrome individuals now survive to middle and old age as a result of medical advances, improved living conditions and better support in society. Unfortunately, these individuals have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in middle age and this rises as they get older.Studies have revealed that between 6%-75% of older Down's individuals develop features of dementia similar to Alzheimer's disease.

New treatments have been licensed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and more are being researched as the problem is a major health and social challenge in modern times.The cause of Alzheimer's disease is still not clear and many theories abound in this respect.The occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in Down's Syndrome presents a unique challenge to medical researchers and doctors in both diagnosis and treatment.

Research into dementia in Down's Syndrome has begun to reveal new insights into potential causes of the dementia and possibly open the door to applying useful therapies .This may have an impact on the understanding of Alzheimer's disease in non -Down's individuals and formulating new diagnostic and treatment modalities in the future.

High quality research into dementia in Down's Syndrome is currently being conducted at Cambridge University by several groups.However, some of them are facing a funding crisis at a critical time in their research .We have lost two grandparents to Alzheimer's disease and have a friend with a Down's Syndrome child. I want to raise funds to keep these research groups going as I believe their work can make a difference.