Down's syndrome , also known as trisomy, is a genetic condition that happens when a person is born with an extra chromosome 21. This causes the imbalance within the body structure which results to a characteristic physical appearance and intellectual deficiency. There is no clear explanation why this abnormality happens, but it is the main hindrance to learning. Also, there is no known Down syndrome treatment; this is mainly because it is a chromosomal abnormality.
The age of a mother at the time of pregnancy increases the likelihood of having a baby born with this syndrome. This happens especially if the mother is over thirty five. If a mother has already given birth to a baby with Down's syndrome, she is more likely to give birth to another or if a close relative is affected. In most cases, parents are not affected and further study finds that the risk of recurrence in the next pregnancies is small.
There are three types of this condition:
1. Translocation. The third chromosome 21 matter is connected to another chromosome which one of the parents may carry without any signs o the condition surfacing. This happens in about four to six percent of all cases.
2. Mosaic. About two percent of individuals with this syndrome have this type where only some of their body cells have an extra chromosome 21. The effect of the condition on their features are milder in this case.
3. Regular trisomy 21. With this type, all cells have an extra chromosome 21 and this is seen in ninety four percent of all cases.
As already mentioned, this condition has no cure. All available treatments are focused towards the health problems that accompany this disease. Most individuals affected have heart defects, which are more often than not, successfully treated. Many also have eating difficulties due to stomach problems and this result to disorders in the thyroid glands and constipation.
Other physical difficulties include poor eyesight and hearing, cataracts, and being prone to infections. As affected individuals grow older, leukemia might also develop and other forms of cancer and even Alzheimer's disease. These health problems are often corrected by surgery, operations, and therapy sessions mostly with favorable outcomes.
Aside from the physical and health difficulties, people with this syndrome also have learning disabilities ranging from moderate to severe. Providing support to them in this aspect allow them to be able to lead as normal a life as possible and can even let them live semi-independently. Though there are still others who require full-time care, many affected are able to overcome their condition and live well into adulthood. Their life-expectancy is about sixty years.
Speech therapy, physiotherapy and special educational programs are a great help in Down syndrome treatment as well as proper treatment of the accompanying health problems.
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