Changes with Age

Key Facts about Changes with Age

A number of changes in health have been noted with age. These include decreases in mobility, increased curvature of the spine, increased tremor and non-epileptic sudden brief muscle jerks (myoclonus), and more pronounced facial characteristics associated with Angelman syndrome. To read more about health issues click here.
There is some evidence that active seizures may decrease in adulthood.
There are some reports that anxiety increases with age.
Research suggests slight increases with age in self-injurious behaviours (4 out of 10 in childhood, 5 out of 10 in adulthood).
It is unclear whether other types of behaviours that challenge increase or decrease with age as research studies have reported mixed findings.
Sleep typically improves compared to children but remains a difficulty for many adults.
Individuals with Angelman syndrome often have concentration difficulties and can be very easily distracted. Concentration and hyperactivity are generally thought to gradually improve as individuals get older, although research findings are mixed.
Onset of puberty is the same in people with Angelman syndrome than in children without the syndrome.

Some behaviours in Angelman syndrome, such as concentration and overactivity improve as the individual gets older.