Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Biology Research Project
Introduction
The name of my disease is Trisomy 21 or better known as Down Syndrome. I choose to research this disorder because I had an uncle that just recently died and he had down syndrome. When he passed away I was left with all these unanswered questions about the disease. Another reason I choose it is because I volunteer at J. Iverson Riddle over the summer and I love working with people who have this disorder.
Definition
Individuals with this disease have some degree of intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, and heart defects. This disease usually affects the face, the muscles and the brain.
Description of Symptons
This disease can cause Thyroid problems, hearing problems, congenital heart disease, eye problems, seizures, bone, muscle, nerve, and joint problems as well as mental retardation.
DEAR FUTURE MOM | March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day | #DearFutureMom
Cause of the disorder
Trisomy 21 is caused when the body copies either a full or partial part of chromosome 21. This then results in the body having 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46. This specific error of cell division is called nondisjunction. Down Syndrome isn't usually passed down through the mother or father.
How the disorder is inherited
There is a slight chance that the parents could be carrying a gene that causes down syndrome but it is very unlikely. Nondisjunction is usually the main cause for the developments of down syndrome in the body.
How the disorder is treated
There is no exact treatment for down syndrome. There is no medication you can take to get rid of it. People living with down syndrome usually have special therapist and teachers that help them develop regardless of what they are capable of. Because this disease affects the brain and its learning ability anyone who works with a Trisomy 21 patient needs to stay positive and always give nice compliments to motivate them.
How the disorder is diagnosed
This disorder can be diagnosed while still in the womb or after childbirth. There are prenatal and blood test that can be taken to tell the parents if their child will be born with Trisomy 21. Genetic counseling is very important when it comes to down syndrome patients.
How many and what type of people are likely to have the disorder
One in every 691 babies born in the U.S can have down syndrome. Down Syndrome can occur in all groups of people, race has nothing to do with this disease. There are approximately 6,000 babies born each year with down syndrome and 4,000 of those babies live in the U.S. The place that you live has nothing to do with the chances of having a child with this disorder. It's all within the body and the chromosomes. The population of patients with down syndrome has grown rapidly throughout the years and has became more common.
Inspiration: Down-Syndrome MMA Fighter refuses to Lose to his condition!
Application of Research
By making this research project I have had learned so much about Down Syndrome that I didn't know before. The questions that I had before have been answered and I feel so reassured about everything that my uncle had to go through because now I know that he wasn't alone.
In Loving Memory of Salvatore M. Corrado
March 12, 1958
January 14, 2015