Article
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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
Status | Published |
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Publication date | 31/05/2025 |
Publication date online | 31/05/2025 |
Date accepted by journal | 13/04/2025 |
URL | |
Publisher URL | |
ISSN | 0162-3257 |
eISSN | 1573-3432 |
ISBN | 0162-3257 |
People (1)
Professor, Health Sciences Stirling