What is the main effect of Down syndrome?

What is the main effect of Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, and weak muscle tone (hypotonia) in infancy. All affected individuals experience cognitive delays, but the intellectual disability is usually mild to moderate.

What are long term effects of Down syndrome?

Long-term (chronic) constipation problems. Sleep apnea (because the mouth, throat, and airway are narrowed in children with Down syndrome) Teeth that appear later than normal and in a location that may cause problems with chewing. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

What are complications of Down syndrome?

Complications of Down syndrome vary depending on the body organ affected and the severity of the problem. Problems include certain birth defects, learning problems, and facial features. A child with Down syndrome also may have heart defects and problems with vision and hearing.

Who is affected by Down syndrome?

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, though older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. A 35 year old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome, and this chance increases gradually to 1 in 100 by age 40.

What are the main causes of Down syndrome?

About 95 percent of the time, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21 — the person has three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual two copies, in all cells. This is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. Mosaic Down syndrome.

Who does Down syndrome affect?

What are the challenges of having a Down syndrome child?

Kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get infections that affect their lungs and breathing. They may have eye or ear problems or digestion problems like constipation. Some may get leukemia, a type of cancer. Each person with Down syndrome is different and may have one, several, or all these problems.

What body systems are affected by Down syndrome?

Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body. People with Down syndrome face physical and mental challenges, but can lead full and happy lives.

Can Down syndrome have kids?

Misconception: People who have Down syndrome cannot have children. Reality: It’s true that a person with Down syndrome may have significant challenges in rearing a child. But women who have Down syndrome are fertile and can give birth to children.

What is one factor that increases the risk of Down syndrome?

One factor that increases the risk for having a baby with Down syndrome is the mother’s age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected by Down syndrome than women who become pregnant at a younger age.

Who is most commonly affected by Down syndrome?

How many people are living with Down syndrome in the United States?

• Down syndrome continues to be the most common chromosomal disorder.
• Between 1979 and 2003, the number of babies born with Down syndrome increased by about 30%.
• Older mothers are more likely to have a baby affected by Down syndrome than younger mothers.

What is Down syndrome and what causes it?

Down syndrome is a collection of features that are caused by trisomy for human Chromosome 21.

How does Down syndrome affect life expectancy?

Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent chromosomal cause of developmental delays. As the life expectancy of people with DS increases, changes in body function and structure secondary to aging have the potential to lead to activity limitations and participation restrictions for this population.

Is Down syndrome a risk factor for osteoporosis?

Down syndrome was discovered to be an independent risk factor for osteoporosis. The relatively young age (mean=35 years) of the individuals in the study is of particular concern. Other researchers36 also have found that individuals with DS appear to be at risk for developing osteoporosis as they age.