Down Syndrome
By Caleb Carrigan
General Information
Down Syndrome, less commonly known as Trisomy 21 or shortened to DS, is a disease caused by nondisjunction on the 21st chromosome of the human cell. When the chromosome fails to separate during the beginning steps of pregnancy, the 21st chromosome gets an extra copy, giving it 3 chromosomes, and causes development issues in the brain and physical features of the baby.
General Information Continued While it is most common in Caucasians, Down Syndrome is apparent in every race and every walk of life. Anyone has a chance of having Down Syndrome when they are born. It is passed from your parents and one of their chromosomes is copied. | Tests and Symptoms for Down Syndrome Blood can be tested prior to birth and ultrasounds can be done to look at the back of the neck to detect if a child has Down Syndrome prior to birth. Symptoms of Down Syndrome include facial deformities, cognitive impairment, and a delay in the ability to learn. | Help for the Affected Child As they grow up, a child will continue to need help academically and doing some things that aren't academic as well. As they grow older they still need help now and again, although they are able to do some things independently. In the long-term, a person with Down Syndrome will always need aid for daily tasks. |
General Information Continued
While it is most common in Caucasians, Down Syndrome is apparent in every race and every walk of life. Anyone has a chance of having Down Syndrome when they are born. It is passed from your parents and one of their chromosomes is copied.
Tests and Symptoms for Down Syndrome
Blood can be tested prior to birth and ultrasounds can be done to look at the back of the neck to detect if a child has Down Syndrome prior to birth. Symptoms of Down Syndrome include facial deformities, cognitive impairment, and a delay in the ability to learn.
Help for the Affected Child
As they grow up, a child will continue to need help academically and doing some things that aren't academic as well. As they grow older they still need help now and again, although they are able to do some things independently. In the long-term, a person with Down Syndrome will always need aid for daily tasks.
Treatments, Preventions, and Research on Down Syndrome
There are no known cures for Down Syndrome, and there are no preventions for it either. Research is being done to see if it possible to find a cure for Down Syndrome, but there are cures for the many diseases that Down Syndrome gives people a higher chance of having. Almost everything is known about Down Syndrome, except for exactly why it occurs or what causes the chromosome to make an extra copy. It is also not known why some people have children with Down Syndrome and others don't.
People with Down Syndrome and their Futures
Although their fertility rates are lower than people without Down Syndrome, people with Down Syndrome can have kids if they so please. There are many issues with having kids when a person has Down Syndrome though. Among others, if the mother has Down Syndrome, there is around a 45% chance her child will also have the disease, and around a 55% chance they will not. Whether the father has Down Syndrome or not does not matter.