Down+Syndrome

Down Syndrom﻿e


 * What causes it?**
 * Down syndrome occurs when an in dividual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
 * Normally, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent.
 * Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called Trisomy 21.
 * The cause of nondisjunction is currently unknown, but research has shown that it increases in frequency as a woman ages. However, due to higher birth rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. There is no definitive scientific research that indicates that Down syndrome is caused by environmental factors or the parents' activities before or during pregnancy.
 * Once a woman has given birth to a baby with Trisomy 21, it is estimated that her chances of having another baby with Trisomy 21 is 1% greater than her chances by age alone.
 * The age of the mother does not seem to be linked to the risk of translocation. Most cases are sporadic-that is, chance events. However, in about one third of cases, one parent is a carrier of a translocated chromosome. The risk of recurrmedia type="youtube" key="ycrPCTP2mFE" width="424" height="350" align="right"ence of translocation is about 3% if the father is the carrier and 10-15% if the mother is the carrier. Genetic counseling can determine the origin of translocation.

> • Deep crease in the palm of the hand > • White spots on the iris of the eye > • Poor muscle tone, loose ligaments > • Small hands and feet > • Congenital heart disease > • Hearing problems > • Intestinal problems, such as blocked small bowel or esophagus > • Celiac disease > • Eye problems, such as cataracts > • Thyroid dysfunctions > • Skeletal problems > • Dementia—similar to Alzheimer’s
 * What are symptoms?**
 * low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
 * • Flat face with an upward slant to the eye, short neck, and abnormally shaped ears


 * Is there a cure/treatment?**
 * Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
 * Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.
 * Down syndrome is a condition that can not be cured.
 * Early intervention can help many people with Down syndrome live productive lives well into adulthood.
 * Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and exercises for gross and fine motor skills. They might also be helped by special education and attention at school.


 * What challenges come with it?**
 * People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions.
 * Recent studies indicate that 66 to 89% of children with Down syndrome have a hearing loss of greater than 15 to 20 decibels in at least one ear, due to the fact that the external ear and the bones of the middle and inner ear may develop differently in children with Down syndrome
 * Cataracts occur in approximately 3% of children with Down syndrome
 * Half of the children with Down syndrome have high blood pressure in the lungs
 * Seizure disorders, though less prevalent than some of the other associated medical conditions, still affect between 5 and 13% of individuals with Down syndrome
 * Males with Down syndrome generally have a reduced sperm count and rarely father children. Females with Down syndrome have regular menstrual periods and are capable of becoming pregnant and carrying a baby to term.

For parents blogs on raising a child with down syndrome: http://jessheeran.blogspot.com/

media type="youtube" key="-cA3t1HW1Ow" width="425" height="350" align="center" media type="youtube" key="FXWaVubBSwg" width="425" height="350" align="center"

It can not be prevented, however testing the baby before it is born to see if he or she is likely to have Down syndrome allows parents and families to prepare for the baby’s special needs.
 * Can it be prevented?**


 * How does it affect development?**
 * All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
 * Usually, mental development and physical development are slower in people with Down syndrome than in those without the condition
 * They may have delayed language development and slow motor development.


 * Is it genetic?**
 * Parents who have already had a baby with Down syndrome or who have abnormalities in their own chromosome 21 are also at higher risk for having a baby with Down Syndrome.


 * Other Facts:**
 * Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.
 * There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
 * Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
 * The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

[] http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/disorders/whataregd/down/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycrPCTP2mFE&feature=player_embedded http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2011/01/04/special-and-gifted-children/ http://medgadget.com/archives/2005/11/down_syndrome_t.html http://jessheeran.blogspot.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cA3t1HW1Ow&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXWaVubBSwg&NR=1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/downsyndrome.html http://www.downsyndrome.com/