About Down Syndrome
By Peter and John
Causes
Down Syndrome is caused by a trisomy of the 21st chromosome, which means that the person has 3 chromosomes in the 21st chromosome as opposed to two. This is caused by nondisjunction during meiosis. A pair of 21st chromosomes in the sperm or egg cell do not split, so when they meet in fertilization, there are three rather than two. This pattern is then replicated throughout all the cells in the body, causing Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is classified as a chromosomal mutation.
Symptoms
There are distinct physical and neurological symptoms associated with Down Syndrome. Some of the physical symptoms include a flat face, upward slanting eyes,and a large tongue. People with Down Syndrome are very distinctive in their appearance. Some of the neurological symptoms include intellectual disability, poor speaking ability, and a predisposition to seizures.
Treatments
There are no medical treatments for down syndrome, but therapy in speech and other areas can improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome.
Quality of Life
With modern advances in medicine, the lives of people with Down Syndrome have improved. Life expectancy is much higher than it used to be. Some people with Down Syndrome have jobs, but they are usually supervised. They also will most likely need assistance in daily life functions.
How Common is Down Syndrome?
In the US, roughly one in every 691 babies is born with Down Syndrome. There are no specific societal groups that are disproportionately affected with Down Syndrome.
Interesting Facts
-The prevalence of Down Syndrome increases as the age of the mother increases.
-Down Syndrome effects you at birth, you are born with it.
By Peter and John
Causes
Down Syndrome is caused by a trisomy of the 21st chromosome, which means that the person has 3 chromosomes in the 21st chromosome as opposed to two. This is caused by nondisjunction during meiosis. A pair of 21st chromosomes in the sperm or egg cell do not split, so when they meet in fertilization, there are three rather than two. This pattern is then replicated throughout all the cells in the body, causing Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is classified as a chromosomal mutation.
Symptoms
There are distinct physical and neurological symptoms associated with Down Syndrome. Some of the physical symptoms include a flat face, upward slanting eyes,and a large tongue. People with Down Syndrome are very distinctive in their appearance. Some of the neurological symptoms include intellectual disability, poor speaking ability, and a predisposition to seizures.
Treatments
There are no medical treatments for down syndrome, but therapy in speech and other areas can improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome.
Quality of Life
With modern advances in medicine, the lives of people with Down Syndrome have improved. Life expectancy is much higher than it used to be. Some people with Down Syndrome have jobs, but they are usually supervised. They also will most likely need assistance in daily life functions.
How Common is Down Syndrome?
In the US, roughly one in every 691 babies is born with Down Syndrome. There are no specific societal groups that are disproportionately affected with Down Syndrome.
Interesting Facts
-The prevalence of Down Syndrome increases as the age of the mother increases.
-Down Syndrome effects you at birth, you are born with it.