A 41-year-old man with trisomy 21 is evaluated in the clinic due to cognitive decline. The patient has a history of moderate intellectual disability, but his higher cognitive functions have become progressively impaired in the past several years. He previously volunteered at a community library but recently lost his position as he could no longer perform his duties. The patient is now completely dependent on a caregiver for assistance with his activities of daily living such as getting dressed, bathing, and using the toilet. The patient keeps wandering in the group home and has become lost on several occasions. Which of the following is most likely to be increased in this patient?

Question

A 41-year-old man with trisomy 21 is evaluated in the clinic due to cognitive decline.  The patient has a history of moderate intellectual disability, but his higher cognitive functions have become progressively impaired in the past several years.  He previously volunteered at a community library but recently lost his position as he could no longer perform his duties.  The patient is now completely dependent on a caregiver for assistance with his activities of daily living such as getting dressed, bathing, and using the toilet.  The patient keeps wandering in the group home and has become lost on several occasions.  Which of the following is most likely to be increased in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Patients with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) have 3 copies of the amyloid precursor protein gene located on chromosome 21.  This increases amyloid-beta accumulation in the brain, placing these patients at high risk for developing early-onset Alzheimer disease.

A 41-Year-Old Man with Trisomy 21 Is Evaluated in the Clinic