Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a condition that babies are born with and is caused by a chromosome disorder called trisomy 21. This means that the baby has three copies of chromosome 21 rather than the normal two copies. The chances of having a baby with this condition increase with the age of the mother.
Babies with Down syndrome usually have a number of birth defects such as heart defects and digestive problems. However, the most obvious sign of Down syndrome is a characteristic flat face with an upward slanted eyes, a short neck and abnormally shaped ears.
There is no cure for Down syndrome, but many people are able to lead productive lives well into adulthood.
Recently Answered
- Q What is Down syndrome?
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Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality. A person with Down syndrome is born with more genetic material than is typical. This excess causes normal growth and development to be altered. As a result, a person with Down syndrome may have a higher risk... Full Answer
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- Q Can Down syndrome be prevented?
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Down syndrome cannot be prevented. It is a genetic abnormality that happens spontaneously. A pregnant woman's diet or activities have no bearing on it. Although a woman of any age can have a baby with Down syndrome, there is a link between the... Full Answer
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- Q What is the link between Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome?
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Dr. John Growdon, NeurologyThe defective amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene, found in some families with early-onset Alzheimer's, is located on chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome, a common cause of mental retardation, have an extra copy of this chromosome. This is... Full Answer
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- Q How can I teach my Down syndrome child not to hit or pull hair?
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Joan Guthrie Medlen, Nutrition & DieteticsFirst, take a deep breath. It always helps. Children with Down syndrome are going to have some of the same childhood behaviors as those without. Many children without Down syndrome go through a phase of hitting or pulling hair. Often they are younger.... Full Answer
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- Q How is Down syndrome treated?
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There is no medication that treats Down syndrome as a condition. It is a genetic disorder, so there is no way to reverse it. Yet, there may be medications that treat the various conditions relating to Down syndrome. For instance, people with... Full Answer
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- Q How is Down syndrome diagnosed?
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If a newborn baby is showing characteristic physical signs of Down syndrome (slanted eyes, low muscle tone, a flatter than typical face, abnormality in the ears, among others), a doctor will recommend that a blood test be taken to verify the diagnosis.... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms and conditions associated with Down syndrome?
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The symptoms and conditions related to Down syndrome (DS) can vary widely from individual to individual. Not everyone with DS will experience these symptoms and conditions or the same level of severity.Physical appearance: People with DS tend to have a... Full Answer
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- Q What causes Down syndrome?
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Down syndrome occurs when there is too much genetic material from the 21st chromosome. There are three "types" of the disorder characterized by variations in their contributing factors. The first type, trisomy 21, is by far the most common form of... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for Down syndrome?
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Alternative treatments for Down syndrome include hormone treatment and diet and nutritional supplements, among others. Proponents claim these treatments will improve cognitive delays, growth and development patterns, and even change the appearance of a... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risks for having a baby with Down syndrome?
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Any mother, regardless of nationality, race, or behavior, might have a baby with Down syndrome (DS). But, females over 35 have a greater chance than those under 35. This is thought to be the case because the older an egg gets, the greater its risk for... Full Answer
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