Le vieillissement des personnes en situation de handicap mental et le cas particulier du syndrome de Down

Mental disability is characterised by intellectual and adaptive behavioural deficits resulting from the impairment of mental development. There are few studies about ageing with a mental disability. Life expectancy among these individuals is lower than in the general population, and numerous somatic comorbidities appear during ageing. Furthermore, there is a complex synergy between frailty, disability and comorbidities. A specific medical care of this premature frailty and ageing is not defined. Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), the first genetic cause of mental disability, has been more investigated. This example could serve as a good basis to guide geriatric care for these vulnerable patients.