Understanding Dementia in IDD: Presentation, Progression, and Differential Diagnosis

General Course
2 CE credits
LIVE, Interactive Webinar

Course Description: Dementia can present differently in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), particularly in people with Down syndrome who are at significantly increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and may experience symptoms earlier than the general population. Early signs are not always memory-based and may instead appear as changes in daily functioning, communication, mood, personality, and behavior. This course will review how Alzheimer’s disease commonly presents and progresses in individuals with Down syndrome and other IDD, and will also explore key clinical “red flags” that may suggest Lewy Body dementia or frontotemporal degeneration. Participants will learn practical strategies for establishing baseline functioning, identifying meaningful changes over time, ruling out treatable medical causes, and supporting individuals and caregivers using person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.

From this course attendees will be able to:

1. Describe why individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and how dementia may emerge earlier in this population.
2. Identify common early dementia signs in IDD, including changes in daily living skills, communication, mood, personality, and behavior.
3. Differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from Lewy Body dementia and frontotemporal degeneration using key clinical features.
4. Recognize common medical and mental health conditions that can mimic dementia in IDD and should be ruled out early.
5. Apply strategies to assess and respond to high-impact responsive behaviors in dementia (e.g., toileting-related behaviors, aggression, disinhibition) using a trauma-informed approach.