Bone mineral density in adults with Down syndrome, intellectual disability, and nondisabled adults.

Ellingsen et al. (2014) compared bone density in three adult groups. One group had Down syndrome. One had other intellectual disabilities. One group had no disability.

They used a quasi-experimental design. They scanned hip and spine with a DEXA machine.

Adults with Down syndrome had the lowest bone density. Their scores were worse than both other groups.

The gap was large enough to raise osteoporosis risk.

Dudley et al. (2019) extends this work. They tracked the same adults over time. Men with Down syndrome lost bone fastest in their 30s and 40s.

Waldron et al. (2023) replicated the finding in Brazil. They saw the same low bone mass even when weight, grip strength, and activity looked fine.

Reza et al. (2013) offers hope. In children with Down syndrome, weight-bearing exercise three times a week raised bone density more than calcium pills.

You can add a DEXA referral to the annual plan for any adult with Down syndrome. Start at 35 for men. Also build weight-bearing goals into the program, like stair climbing or light jumps, even if the person seems active.