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Article

Autism and Dementia: A Summative Report from the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia

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Citation

Janicki M, McCallion P, Jokinen N, Larsen F, Mughal D, Palanisamy V, Watchman K, Santos F, Service K, Shih A, Shooshtari S & Thakur A (2025) Autism and Dementia: A Summative Report from the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia. Janicki M (Contact Person), McCallion P (Researcher), Jokinen N (Researcher), Larsen F (Researcher), Mughal D (Researcher), Palanisamy V (Research Group), Santos F (Researcher), Service K (Researcher), Shih A (Researcher), Shooshtari S (Researcher), Thakur A (Research Group), Gomiero T (Researcher) & Watchman K (Contact Person) Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-025-06843-7?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20250506&utm_content=10.1007/s10803-025-06843-7#Ack1; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06843-7

Abstract
This article synthesizes findings, from the Autism/Dementia Work Group of the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia, on the nature of autism/autism spectrum disorder and later-age neuropathologies, particularly dementia. The convened group of experts explored genetic, neurobiological, and environmental risk factors that may affect the lifespan and lived experiences of older adults with autism. A review of current literature indicates a lack of comprehensive information on the demographics and factors associated with aging in autistic adults. However, our understanding of autism is evolving, challenging traditional views of it as a static, inherited neurodevelopmental disorder. The relationship between autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex—reflects the complex genetic landscape of neurodevelopmental disorders. These genetic and familial factors may contribute to progressive health challenges and cognitive decline in later life. Key findings reveal a complex link between autism and dementia, despite limited research on this relationship, particularly among older adults. The overall prevalence of dementia in this population appears to be influenced by co-occurring intellectual disabilities, particularly Down syndrome. While the association between autism and specific types of dementia is still not well understood, the reviewed evidence suggests a notable connection with frontotemporal dementia, although causality has not been established. Exploration of biomarkers may offer further insights. Currently, the relationship between autism, cognitive health, and cognitive decline in older adults remains a complex and underexplored area of research

Keywords
Aging ; Autism; ASD; Dementia; Neuropathologies; Risk factors

Journal
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

StatusPublished
Publication date31/05/2025
Publication date online31/05/2025
Date accepted by journal13/04/2025
URL
Publisher URL
ISSN0162-3257
eISSN1573-3432
ISBN0162-3257

People (1)

Professor Karen Watchman

Professor Karen Watchman

Professor, Health Sciences Stirling

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