Downs Syndrome
By: Grace Moore
5 symptoms
1. Decreased or poor muscle tone
2. Short neck, with excess skin at the back of the neck
3. Flattened facial profile and nose
4. Smaller head, ears, and mouth
5. Upward slanting of eyes
How does this condition affect daily life?
- The opportunity to establish friendships may be affected by not being as open and social.
- Play and leisure skills
- Social behavior
What is the life expectancy?
The life expectancy is 60 years with many risks into their 60's and 70's.
What is the gene or mutation causing Down's syndrome?
Trisomy 21 condition where individuals have 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This is caused by an error in the cell division called no disjunction that leaves a sperm or egg cell with an extra copy of chromosome 21 before conception.
What chromosome is affected?
Chromosome 21 may have an extra genetic mutation.
What protein is not functioning correctly?
One extra chromosome.
What is the meaning for the name Down Syndrome?
The name Down syndrome was named after Doctor Down. It was first called Mongolion Idiocy because the syndrome reminded Doctor Down of the people of Mongolia. Later on it was renamed Down's syndrome.
Three possible treatments.
There are no treatments found yet for Down's syndrome, but there are some possible ways to improve.
- Speech therapy: Specializes in voice rehabilitation.
- Pediatric ophthalmologist: treats eye diseases in children.
- Occupational therapy: improves daily living and work skills of patients.
Is there a cure?
No, not yet.
Interesting information
- One in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition.
- The likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, however, 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age because this age group gives birth most frequently.
Prevention
Take out the extra chromosome in trisomy 21 so instead of 47 chromosomes the baby will have 46 before he/she is born.