Post #5 1 (Down Syndrome)

What is it? Down Syndrome some call it Trisomy 21.

What are the causes of this disorder? Down syndrome occurs because of an abnormality characterized by an extra copy of genetic material on all or part of the 21st chromosome. Every cell in the body contains genes that are grouped along chromosomes in the cell's nucleus or center. There are normally 46 chromosomes in each cell, 23 inherited from your mother and 23 from your father. When some or all of a person's cells have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21, the result is Down syndrome.

Who does it affect? Down Syndrome can affect anyone boy or girl. Any race and in any area of the world.


How does it affect the person? Congenital heat disease. Immune system problems. Thyroid problems. Bone, muscle, nerve, or joint problems. Hearing problems. Eye problems. Seizure disorders. Developmental delay. Mental retardation. Premature aging.

What are the treatments? There are no actual treatments for the disease but for the side effects you should get, regular checkups and screening. You can have medications or even surgery to help with the side effects. Also counseling and support will help the family and patient stay stong.

How can it be prevented? Physicians are not certain how to prevent the chromosomal error that causes Down Syndrome. To date, there is no reason to believe that a parent could have done anything to cause or prevent the birth of their baby with Down syndrome. Some claim that various high dose vitamins given to children with Down syndrome will improve the mental performance and lessen the mental retardation.

What is the life expectancy of a person with this disorder? It just varies depending on ones health.

Find and post a video that deals with this disorder.


Make sure to list all websites and resources used to find information for each disorder.


http://www.nads.org/pages_new/facts.html


http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/genetics/downs.html