The relationship between physical signs of aging and social functioning in persons with Down syndrome in Japan

Background: In Japan, there have been no substantial studies of social function and physical aging in adults with Down syndrome. The aim of the present study was to examine social functions (movement, conversation, and daily living skills) and physical signs of aging in adults with Down syndrome in Japan, and to analyze the relationship between changes in social function and age.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of persons with Down syndrome who were 15 years of age or older (15-65 years old) was conducted. The survey was conducted in patients associations, institutes, group homes, and workplaces from July to December 2009. Primary caregivers, such as family members and institute staff, were asked to complete a questionnaire on the subjects’ living situation, movement ability, conversational skills, daily living skills, and 10 characteristics of physical aging at the time of the survey.Results: The total number of subjects was 315. Subjects’ movement ability, conversational ability, and daily living skills declined as a function of age. Canities (40.6%) were the most prevalent physical sign of aging, followed by missing teeth, hump back, and skin wrinkling. Further, physical aging was related to a decline in social functions (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The present study showed that adults with Down syndrome exhibit signs of physical aging earlier than do the general population, and that physical aging is associated with social functioning. Thus, the appearance of physical aging might indicate a decline in social functioning