Keynote Speaker: Thessa Hilgenkamp, PhD
Her keynote lecture is entitled: Cardiovascular Health in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Unique Risks, Unique Needs?
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the general population and accounts for a significant portion of healthcare costs and public health efforts. In individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), cardiovascular risk is even higher. Rates of stroke and heart failure are increased, while myocardial infarction appears less common. These differences raise important questions about underlying physiological mechanisms and clinical presentation.
In this keynote, we will explore how cardiovascular health and disease progression may differ in people with ID, including those with genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. We will examine whether early signs of cardiovascular decline, such as hypertension, arterial stiffness, glucose metabolism, and atherosclerosis, carry the same predictive value in this population as in the general population.
We will also review lifestyle-related risk factors, including smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor fitness, and sleep disturbances, and how these may uniquely affect cardiovascular health in people with ID. These risk factors are often influenced by additional challenges in access to care, communication, and long-term management.
Finally, we will address the clinical implications: What is currently being done to detect, prevent, and manage cardiovascular risk in individuals with ID? Are these strategies effective and sufficient? And what adaptations may be needed to ensure more equitable, tailored, and proactive cardiovascular care?
Biographical information
Dr. Thessa Hilgenkamp is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she leads the Cardiovascular Research and Exercise Laboratory (CARE-Lab). With nearly 20 years of experience in physical activity and exercise research in individuals with intellectual disabilities, her work focuses on understanding the physiological barriers to physical activity, particularly in individuals with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome.
Trained as an exercise physiologist with strong background in epidemiology, Dr. Hilgenkamp bridges population-level and clinical research to investigate how cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunction contribute to fatigue and exercise intolerance. Her goal is to translate these findings into more effective physical activity and exercise interventions that support healthy, active lifestyles for this underserved population.
Dr. Hilgenkamp has authored 94 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 90 presentations at national and international conferences. She serves as Treasurer of the Trisomy 21 Research Society and Chair of the Lifestyle and Weight Management Team within the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA. In addition, she maintains strong community ties through her work with DS Connections, GiGi’s Playhouse, and Special Olympics.