Factors Associated With Depression in Caregivers of Adults With Down Syndrome.

Background: Family caregivers of those with developmental disabilities have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with caregivers of those without development disability. Few studies have examined factors that contribute to caregiver depression, including the appraisal of caregiving responsibilities and the physical fitness and daily function of the care recipient. The purpose of this study was to identify intrapersonal (caregiver) and interpersonal (care recipient) factors associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of adults with Down syndrome (DS).

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a skill-based lifestyle intervention for enhancing cooking abilities and physical fitness in young adults with intellectual disabilities.

Background: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) often experience poorer diet quality and lower physical fitness levels as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the initial feasibility and efficacy of Chef-ID, a 12-week intervention designed to improve cooking skills and physical function in young adults with ID.

Methods: Young adults with ID attended weekly group sessions which provided hands-on cooking skills, nutrition education, and exercise.

An Individual versus Parent Supported Physical Activity Intervention in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities.

Introduction: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is inadequate in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This report describes the results of an 18-month clinical trial in adolescents with IDD, which compared changes in accelerometer-assessed daily MVPA, gross motor quotient, and leg press strength between participants randomized to an exercise intervention delivered to adolescents only (AO) or to the adolescent and a parent (A + P).

Methods: The 18-month trial included a 6-month active intervention, 6-month maintenance interventions, and a 6-month no-contact follow-up.

The association between cardiovascular health and cognition in adults with Down syndrome.

Introduction: Evidence in the general population suggests that predictors of cardiovascular health such as moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness, and systolic blood pressure are associated with cognitive function. Studies supporting these associations in adults with Down syndrome (DS) are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between systolic blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and MVPA on cognition in adults with DS.

The association of increased body mass index on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and cognition in adults with down syndrome.

Background: Obesity is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease; however, this association has not been explored in adults with Down syndrome.

Objective: To examine the association of obesity, assessed by body mass index (BMI), with factors related to Alzheimer's disease risk including cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and cognition in adults with Down syndrome.

Methods: Adults with Down syndrome attended a laboratory visit where BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO), and cognitive function (CANTAB® DS Battery) were obtained.

The promotion of physical activity for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down Syndrome: Rationale and design for a 12 Month randomized trial.

Unlabelled: Nearly all individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) display pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) beginning as early as age 30. Previous research in typically developed adults suggests that increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may improve cognitive function and protect against age-related structural and functional changes in the brain; however, the potential impact of increased MVPA on the development of AD in adults with DS has not been evaluated. Despite the potential positive impact of MVPA on cognition and AD risk, participation in MVPA among young adults with DS is low.

Remote Exercise for Adults with Down Syndrome.

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome are less physically active than their typically developed peers. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of delivering moderate-to- vigorous exercise sessions, led by a trained health educator using real-time video conferencing, to groups of young adults with Down syndrome in their homes.

Methods: Participants were randomized to 30-minute group exercise sessions either 1 or 2 times a week delivered on an iPad mini tablet computer using the Zoom video conferencing application, and were asked to attend individual support/education sessions once a week using FaceTime on the iPad, for 12 weeks.

Changes in cognitive function after a 12-week exercise intervention in adults with Down syndrome.

Background: Between 250,000 and 400,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS). Nearly all adults with DS will develop Alzheimer's disease pathology starting in their thirties. Recent studies suggest that increased physical activity (PA) may be important for maintaining components of cognition, including memory.

The Feasibility of Group Video Conferencing for Promotion of Physical Activity in Adolescents With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Physical activity (PA) rates of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are low and effective strategies for increasing PA are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a group-based PA intervention that was delivered remotely to adolescents with IDD. Participants attended 30-min group PA sessions 3 times a week.

Weight management in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A randomized controlled trial of two dietary approaches.

Background: The prevalence of obesity among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is equal to or greater than the general population.

Methods: Overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥25 kg/m ) with mild-to-moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities were randomized to an enhanced stop light diet (eSLD = SLD + portion-controlled meals, n = 78) or a conventional diet (CD, n = 72) for an 18 months trial (6 months weight loss, 12 months maintenance). Participants were asked to increase physical activity (150 min/week), self-monitor diet and physical activity and attend counselling/educational sessions during monthly home visits.