Hello, We are Aging with Down Syndrome
For years, I have striven to be a source of information, inspiration, and support for others. When my son Matt was given a new diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, I panicked and had no idea what to do or where to get information. I have been a family advocate since he was small and soon realized that I couldn't be the only parent who was floundering as I navigated new paths with him.
In 2014, shortly after that diagnosis, I started writing a blog to share our journey. It's hard to believe it's been eleven years since I uploaded that first post. So much has happened since that day - some of it wonderful, and some of it absolutely awful. I wrote a few posts, started working on a book, got to work with some other amazing advocates, and knew I was on the right path.
Sadly, in the late winter of 2021, I lost my dear husband of 51 years to complications of COVID. Of course, my world was rocked, and my life came to a screeching halt. With the support of my boys, other family members, and friends, I've made my way back and have picked up where I got detoured.
Matt continues to fill me with inspiration and ideas, and I continue to count him among my greatest blessings. Let Aging with Down Syndrome be a source you turn to for information. There have been many advancements since this website debuted, and I plan to keep sharing my experiences on this journey. Take some time to explore the blog and find what sparks your interest. Feel free to reach out if you would like to collaborate on a project together. Read on and enjoy!
Jadene Sloan Ransdell
Family & Disability Advocate
I have a B.S. in Education and more than 50 years of experience working with families and professionals in many areas related to developmental disabilities. I published "Unwrapping the Gifts of Disability: A Mother's Reflections on Raising a Son with Down Syndrome" in 2023 and am working on a second book now. I was honored to work at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) as a Health Program Manager, focusing on aging and caregiving. Before my employment, I created the Adult Summit, a conference that NDSS hosts for self-advocates, families and professionals to share information of importance to adults with Down syndrome. I also served as a board member of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG). While volunteering with them, I helped start an online caregiver support group, as well as wrote a newsletter for caregivers. Prior to both of these positions, I started a Facebook support group for those caring for folks with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's. I co-host a podcast with two other women where we discuss all sorts of topics about aging with Down syndrome.
Matthew (Matt) Jaren Ransdell
Personal Influencer & Heart Shaper
I am a fellow who loves life and the people who are in my world. I was born with Down syndrome at a time when life was very different for babies and children with that extra 21st chromosome. I've had a lot of challenges in my life - some from the medical diagnoses I've received and some from people who didn't see me as a person first. I'm glad you are here and are interested in what I can do, now that I'm an adult aging with Down syndrome. I hope my momma and I can help you understand what it's like growing older with Down syndrome. I love my life and I am excited to share some of it with you on these pages.