Down Syndrome
By: Billy Mercer and Kolton Hemmingson
Down Syndrome is a birth defect that occurs in 1 out of 691 babies. Babies who are born with Down Syndrome can live normal life.
Symptoms of Down Syndrome
body features
- Short body
- Low muscle tone
- Short wide neck
- Short stocky arms and legs
facial features
- Slanted eyes
- Small ears
- Crooked teeth
- Pushed in nasal bridge
health issues
- heart defects
- hypothyroidism
- respiratory infections
- behavior problems
Causes of Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division in early embryo development. They have an extra chromosome 21. Chromosome 21 is copied 3 times instead of only 2 times.
Treatments for Down Syndrome
- There is no cure for Down Syndrome.
- They go to physical therapy to strengthen their muscles.
- How regular vision and hearing tests.
- Have regular medical check ups
- Get their thyroid tested regularly.
- Get immunizations.
How many people have Down Syndrome
- About 400,000 people have Down Syndrome in the U.S.
- 1 in 691 babies are born with Down Syndrome in the U.S.
- 6000 babies are born per year with Down Syndrome.
How Down Syndrome is diagnosed
- Babies can be screened during pregnancy or after birth
- Prenatal screening includes prenatal screening test and prenatal diagnostic test
- After birth doctors can perform a blood test
Facts about Down Syndrome
- Chances of having a baby with Down Syndrome increases as a woman gets older.
- Down Syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition.
- Life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome has increased from 25 years old in 1983 to 60 year old.