P1-573: epidemiological approach to an argentinian ds population

Persons with Down Syndrome (DS) are at high risk of dementia because of Alzheimer's Disease (AD-DS). Considering the growing evidence on the influence of lifestyle, socioeconomical and educational aspects in the incidence and development of dementia in the general population, assessment of these factors in people with DS population becomes of utmost importance. Epidemiological studies of DS population in Latin America are scarce. The aim of this study is to assess sociodemographical aspects of Argentinian DS population, and to compare it with available data from DS population in other countries. Information on Argentinian DS population derives from cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from Disability Certificates conferred due to DS that were current by January 2019. Data was provided by the National Agency on Disability. Epidemiological information from foreign DS populations was obtained from the literature. By January 2019, 38552 individuals had current Disability Certificates conferred due to DS. Considering underreport negligible, DS prevalence in Argentina can be estimated to be of 8.7 per 10000 individuals, which is slightly higher than DS prevalence reported in the US (8.3 per 10000 individuals). Ninety-four percent (n=36224) of the individuals were less than 45 years old (yo), 2.5% (n=963) were 45-49yo, 1.8% (n=701) were 50-54yo, 1% (n=387) were 55-59yo, 0.6% (n=214) were 60-64yo and only 0.002% (n=63) were older than 65yo. Age-related reduction in DS prevalence (i.e., mortality) might be higher than in developed countries. Data on living condition was available in 2563 cases (7% of the total sample), showing that 95% (n=2440) of the individuals inhabit private houses/apartments and only 1.7% (n=43) are institutionalized. This contrasts with institutionalization rate in developed countries, which some studies show may raise up to 63%. Considering the well known association between dementia and mortality in DS, the study of risk and protective factors for dementia in this population is particularly important. Assessment of basic epidemiological characteristics of Latin American DS population represents the first step towards comprehensive study of ethnical and sociodemographical aspects that might influence dementia onset and progression in DS.