Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of a tailored\r educational intervention program in reducing cognitive decline in the Down Syndrome (DS) population. The educational intervention was designed combining techniques for educating children with DS and those for reducing cognitive decline in the general population. The educational intervention is to be administered over a period of 5 years. Participants undergoing the intervention will be compared to a control group that takes part in leisure activities for the same amount of time. To assess cognitive functioning, the Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination for persons with Down Syndrome (CAMDEX-DS) will be used, utilizing the CAMDEX-DS Informant Review and the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), as well as the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) to test personality change. The study aims to compare the cognitive levels of the intervention and control groups to determine whether the intervention can lead to a lower reduction of cognitive functioning. In addition, we will compare the rate of decline that does occur in the intervention and control groups. Finally, the study seeks to determine whether participating in a greater number of intervention sessions leads to lower cognitive decline.