Down Syndrome
also known as Trisomy 21
Definition:
Down syndrome is a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and abroad facial profile.
Does down syndrome have an impact on an individual's life expectancy?
People with Down Syndrome can live as well as into there sixties.
How is Down Syndrome Inherited?
There is an extra genetic material that causes the physical features and development delays associated with Down Syndrome. There's an extra genetic material from chromosome 21. It's inherited from parent to child.
What diagnostic tests are preformed to determine if an individual has Down Syndrome?
When an individual is born you can usually identify it or shortly thereafter . Usually it's initially the diagnosis is based on physical characteristics that are commonly seen in babies, they include muscle tone, a single crease across the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened faical profile and an upward slant to the eyes.
Is there a way to prevent Down Syndrome??
There is not a way to prevent Down Syndrome.
There are many organizations/support groups to help people with down syndrome and research.
Here are a few.
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Global Down Syndrome Foundation
- National Down Syndrome Congress
- Down Syndrome International
- Band Of Angels
Physical Symptoms are...
- decreased or poor muscle tone
- Short neck, with excess skin at the back of the neck
- Flattened facial profile and nose
- Small head, ears, and mouth
- Upward slanting eyes