Everything You Need To Know About Down Syndrome

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This can cause a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities, but it is important to remember that every child with Down syndrome is an individual, and their abilities and challenges will vary.

Everything you need to know about Down Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

by Lilit Netivor

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	773 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	38 pages
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Causes of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is caused by an error in cell division that occurs during pregnancy. Normally, each cell in the body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes. However, in people with Down syndrome, each cell contains 47 chromosomes, including an extra copy of chromosome 21.

There are three types of Down syndrome, depending on the location of the extra chromosome 21:

• Trisomy 21 is the most common type of Down syndrome, and it occurs when there are three copies of chromosome 21 in each cell.
• Translocation Down syndrome occurs when the extra copy of chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome.
• Mosaic Down syndrome occurs when some cells in the body have three copies of chromosome 21, while other cells have two copies of chromosome 21.

Symptoms of Down Syndrome

The symptoms of Down syndrome can vary widely from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

• Intellectual disabilities
• Physical disabilities, such as low muscle tone, short stature, and a broad neck
• Distinctive facial features, such as a flattened face, small ears, and an open mouth
• Heart defects
• Hearing loss
• Vision problems
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Behavioral problems

Diagnosis of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome can be diagnosed before birth through prenatal testing, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. These tests can detect the extra copy of chromosome 21 in the baby's DNA.

Down syndrome can also be diagnosed after birth through a physical exam and genetic testing. A doctor will look for the physical signs of Down syndrome and Free Download a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Down Syndrome

There is no cure for Down syndrome, but there are a variety of treatments that can help to improve the quality of life for people with this condition. These treatments may include:

• Early intervention services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy
• Special education
• Vocational training
• Medical treatment for any health problems, such as heart defects or hearing loss
• Support services for families

Outlook for People with Down Syndrome

The outlook for people with Down syndrome has improved significantly over the past few decades. With early intervention and treatment, people with Down syndrome can live full and productive lives. They can attend school, work, and participate in social activities.

The average life expectancy for people with Down syndrome is now about 60 years, and many people with Down syndrome live well into their 70s and 80s.

Down syndrome is a complex genetic condition that can cause a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities. However, it is important to remember that every child with Down syndrome is an individual, and their abilities and challenges will vary.

With early intervention and treatment, people with Down syndrome can live full and productive lives. They can attend school, work, and participate in social activities.

Everything you need to know about Down Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

by Lilit Netivor

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	773 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	38 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE