Down Syndrome

BY: Sanjusri Niranjan

What Is It? Genetic Transmission-how is it passed on?

Down Syndrome, is a genetic chromosome 21 disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays. While most people only have 46 chromosomes in total, Down Syndrome is the result of having one more, so 47! We all get 23 chromosomes from each parent, together they become 46, but in Down Syndrome, they have 47. They would get a partial or full extra copy of chromosome # 21 (usually in each cell). They would have around 3 instead of 2, one from each parent.

Characteristics, and Symptoms...

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition. People with this have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and facial differences. These physical features include a flatter face, and upward slanting eyes. They usually also have a lot of medical problems and are at risk. People with Down Syndrome have varying birth defects! Symptoms include developmental delays, difficulty thinking, learning disability, speech delays, and association with other diseases.

How Common is it???

One out of every 700 people in the United States is born with Down Syndrome!

Treatment Methods

There is no way exactly to cure or totally prevent from getting Down Syndrome, but people can take treatment to help them. They can take therapies available, such as: speech, support group, occupational, and physical. There's also self-care such as physical exercise and special education! The mean annual cost equals $4,209. This would be including medical, therapy, pharmaceutical costs. (Overall, costs decrease with age).

Some Interesting Facts Are...

One very interesting fact is that the chance of having a child with Down Syndrome increases as a woman gets older, even though women of any age can have children with it!

Another interesting fact is that Down Syndrome has several other names, such as: Trisomy 21, Trisomy G, 47,XX+21 and 47,XY+21!

Current Research on Down Syndrome

Some current research is being done by Down Syndrome Education International. It is dedicated to raising levels of achievement! "Our research has demonstrated the potential of children with Down Syndrome to learn more when given the opportunity and appropriate support," says the website!