Alzheimer's Association partners with People Inc. for conference on dementia, Down syndrome, other disabilities

Alzheimer’s Association Press Release

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with People Inc. to present a conference on Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome or other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The conference, “Aging with Down Syndrome and IDD: The Intersection of Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's Disease,” will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, at People Inc. Rehabilitative Services, located at 800 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, and will also be available via Zoom. Families and professionals are invited to attend to learn more about dementia prevalence, diagnosis, treatment options and free supportive resources.

At least 50% of adults with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer's disease as they age. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this increased prevalence may be caused by extra genes present due to an extra copy of chromosome 21, which also causes other developmental problems and health issues in people with Down syndrome.

“Sharing this information is key to supporting advocacy for people with disabilities,” said Amara May, director of program outreach at the WNY Chapter, who has a brother with Down syndrome. “Alzheimer's and other dementias have a major impact on the health of those in the IDD community. By staying informed and empowering caregivers with knowledge, we can help ensure better care and understanding of the disease."

Nationally renowned expert Brian Chicoine, M.D., will present an overview on the links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Chicoine is the medical director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, Illinois, which he co-founded in 1992, and which has served and documented the health and psychosocial needs of more than 6,000 adolescents and adults with Down syndrome since its inception.

Other speakers include Sarah Harlock, program director of the DENT Integrative Center for Memory and vice chair of the WNY Chapter’s board of directors, who will share information on local resources available to families; and Elizabeth Randall, a licensed psychologist with People Inc., who will discuss the importance of baseline assessments.

Registration is required and can be done online at bit.ly/AlzDownApril2025 or by calling 800-272-3900. The conference is supported, in part, by grants from the New York State Department of Health.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.