Down Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Down’s syndrome, or Down syndrome?
During the research for this novel, I found many, many variations in the spelling of Down syndrome, in a variety of different kinds of texts. Before publication, the copy editors at Viking checked a current medical dictionary, which listed two acceptable variations in the spelling: Down’s syndrome and Down syndrome. The choice was made to go with Down’s syndrome, and that spelling was used consistently throughout The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. ...
Source: www.memorykeepersdaughter.com
What is the cause of Down Syndrome?
We don't know what causes the extra 21st chromosome. We know that the extra 21st chromosome causes an extra dose of some proteins. Those proteins cause the typical features of Down Syndrome. We don't know most of the proteins involved and how they cause Down Syndrome. We do know there is an association between a mother's age and the chances of having a baby with Down Syndrome. No causes have been identified and proven, however.
Source: www.uwosh.edu
It is not clear
what causes the extra 21st chromosome. The extra 21st chromosome causes an extra dose of some proteins. Those proteins cause the typical features of Down's Syndrome.
Source: www.nidd.org
What is the incidence of Down Syndrome?
The incidence of Down Syndrome has been variously reported as 1 in 800 live births to 1 in 1,100 live births. A recent estimate in the United States put the incidence at about 1 in 1,000. There is no association between Down Syndrome and any given culture, ethnic group, socioeconomic status or geographic region.
Source: www.uwosh.edu
The incidence of Down's Syndrome has been variously reported as 1 in 800 live births to 1 in 1,100 live births. A recent estimate in the United States puts the incidence at about 1 in 1,000.
Source: www.nidd.org
How is Down Syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Down syndrome is usually picked up soon after the birth of the baby because of the way it looks. There are many physical characteristics associated with the condition, which may lead a parent, or medical professional to suspect that the baby has Down syndrome. Many of these features are found in the general population. Therefore a chromosome test would need to be done on the baby before a positive diagnosis could be made. Taking blood from the baby and then analyzing the chromosomes does this. ...
Source: dsat.org
Expectant mothers can choose to have a screening or diagnostic test performed during pregnancy to help determine the risk of having a baby with the Down syndrome, or whether or not the child will actually have the condition. Down syndrome can also be identified at birth or shortly thereafter, based on distinctive physical characteristics common in babies with the condition. More often a chromosome test, called a karyotype, is administered after birth to confirm the diagnosis.
Source: www.dsaco.net
Physicians can sometimes determine by physical examination that a child has Down syndrome. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a small blood sample should be taken and the chromosomes analyzed to determine the presence of an extra #21 chromosome. This information is important for determining the recurrence risk. Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome can often be diagnosed before birth by analyzing cells in the amniotic fluid (amniocentesis) or from the placenta (chorionic villius sampling). ...
Source: blogfordownsyndrome.com
What causes Down Syndrome?
It is stated that 95% of all cases is caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction. Few cases are caused by two other chromosomal abnormalities: mosaicism and translocation. The additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down Syndrome.
Source: dsat.org
What is Down's Syndrome?
Down's Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by extra genetic material (genes) from the 21st chromosome. The extra genes cause certain characteristics that we know as Down's syndrome. Individuals with Down's Syndrome also have all the other genes given to them by their parents. As a result, they have a combination of features typical of Down's Syndrome on top of the individual features from their parents. This includes some degree of mental delay, or cognitive challenges and other developmental delays. ...
Source: www.nidd.org
Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder where the children are severely mentally challenged in most cases. They have typical facial features like upslanting eyes, depressed nose bridge, and an open mouth with a rough protruding tongue. They often have a single palmar crease or Simian crease on their palm. Trisomy 21, with 47 chromosomes in each cell instead of 46, is the most common cause of Down syndrome.
Source: www.ivfclinicindia.com
The word syndrome means a collection of characteristics. The name Down's syndrome comes from the doctor, John Langdon Down who first described the condition in 1866. It is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. People with Down's syndrome have 47 chromosomes in some or all of their cells in stead of the usual 46.
Source: www.antenataltesting.info
Down syndrome is something that causes differences in the way a person looks and learns. No two people with Down syndrome are quite the same, but they are often extra flexible in their joints, have eyes that slant, have small ears and a small nose, and grown more slowly than other kids. People with Down syndrome also tend to learn more slowly than others.
Source: upsfordowns.com
Is Down syndrome inherited?
Only 3 to 5% of cases are inherited; the rest arise as an accident of chromosome arrangement during meiosis. For details, see my essay on the origin of trisomy 21 or Dr. Paul Benke's essay on the types of DS, and the risk and recurrence risk of DS.
Source: www.ds-health.com
The vast majority of cases of Down Syndrome are not inherited. Only in cases of Translocation Down Syndrome and then in only 1 of 3 cases of this type of Down Syndrome is the condition inherited. These inherited cases occur because one of the parents is a carrier. A carrier will have 45 chromosomes instead of 46 but they will have all the genetic material of a person with 46 chromosomes. Remember that in Translocation Down Syndrome the extra chromosome 21 material is located on a different chromosome. ...
Source: www.dsagr.com
Is Down syndrome hereditary?
In approximately 3% of cases, Down syndrome is thought to be hereditary. Generally, the children with hereditary Down syndrome are the product of a chromosomal anomaly called translocation (one of the three causes of Down syndrome). In translocation, the age of the mother is not considered to be a factor. Rather, there seems to be a genetic factor that is carried in one of the parents. ...
Source: www.associatedcontent.com
Why is it called Down syndrome?
A doctor names John Langdon Down was the first to write about this condition. It is not called Down syndrome because we should be "down" or depressed about it.
Source: upsfordowns.com
Is Trig’s condition spelled Down Syndrome, down Syndrome, Down syndrome, Down’s syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, none of the above or all of the above?
You’ve presented me with a paradox, as we’re talking over the phone. I think it’s capital “D,” Down, lowercase “s,” syndrome. Bristol. Bristol. Bristol.
Source: readitordont.com
Down's Syndrome?
Down's syndrome is very treatable with NCR. These people have a number of skull-related problems: poor vision, recurrent infections of the sinuses and middle ear, chronic nasal breathing difficulties, poor balance and posture, difficult speech, poor thinking and headaches. They are made for help from NCR.
Source: www.ncrdoctors.com
Are there medical treatments for Down Syndrome?
Although there have been proposed medical treatments for Down Syndrome, none of them have been proven effective. These treatments have included thyroid hormone, pituitary extract, glutamic acid, dimthyl sulfoxide, sicca cell therapy, five hydroxythmyptophan, various vitamin and mineral therapies, and lately, neotopic drugs such as piracetam. Sicca cell therapy has been shown by several reports to be dangerous. Careful studies looking at the use of vitamin supplementation showed no benefit. ...
Source: www.uwosh.edu
What are the types of Down Syndrome?
About 95% of people with Down Syndrome have Trisomy 21, i.e. 3 instead of 2 number 21 chromosomes. We normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, each made up of genes. During the formation of the egg (or the sperm) a woman's (or a man's) pair of chromosomes normally split so that only one chromosome is in each egg (or sperm). In Trisomy 21, or nondisjunction, the twenty-first chromosome pair does not split and a double-dose goes to the egg (or sperm). It is estimated that 95-97% of the extra chromosome is of maternal origin. ...
Source: www.uwosh.edu
Where is the Down Syndrome Clinic of Houston?
Map & Directions
The Down Syndrome Clinic of Houston is located in the Texas Medical Center on the campus of Texas Children’s Hospital. Down Syndrome Clinic of Houston
Texas Children’s Hospital
Clinical Care Center, 16th floor
6701 Fannin Street at Bates Street (across Bates from the hospital’s West Tower)
Driving Directions
Source: www.texaschildrens.org
How accurate is ultrasound at detecting Down syndrome?
This is a complex question since ultrasound, maternal triple screen blood testing, and age are all used in the screening process. We have extensive experience and on-going research efforts to refine the detection of Down syndrome and similar birth defects. We are presently involved in a national study, the FASTER study, to clarify the most efficient tests to detect Down syndrome. ...
Source: www.iinet.com
What is general management of cases with Down syndrome?
Based on the clinical problems & the prognosis described above, the management is mainly symptomatic. Special problems for intellectual and motor difficulties and special medical care to prevent treatable disorders from remaining undiagnosed both benefit persons with Down syndrome. Cases with Down syndrome need to be treated with a multidisciplinary approach to deal with the spectrum of development, neurological and mental health problems. ...
Source: www.holisticfoundation.org
What is the historical background of Down syndrome?
There are hints in the historical records that an awareness of the condition of Down syndrome existed perhaps even thousand years ago. Images in old paintings & ancient stone carvings suggest that this might be so. Throughout history it has always been plain that people need to explain minorities, those who were in some way or another different or deviated from the norm. People with mental retardation were dealt with based on socio-cultural belief structures & were isolated, punished & tortured. ...
Source: www.holisticfoundation.org
What is the IQ of people affected with Down Syndrome?
The distribution of IQ among Down Syndrome patients is similar in its bell shape to the normal population; however, the average is shifted by 50 points downward (in pure forms of Down Syndrome). A relative Down Syndrome genius can pass the borderline retarded range and match the low average IQ range. However, educators dealing with Down Syndrome kids stress that IQ is not a good measure of mental performance among these children Brainstorming does not have to disrupt your schedule
Source: www.supermemo.com
Are there varying levels of Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome affects each child differently just like each typical child develops differently . Each child has their strengths and weaknesses in different areas.
Source: dsat.org
How often does Down Syndrome occur?
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 800-1,000 live births is a child with Down syndrome, representing approximately 5,000 births per year in the United States alone. Today, Down syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States. Eighty percent of children born with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old. However, as a woman ages, her chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome becomes greater.
Source: dsat.org
Are there employment opportunities for adults with Down Syndrome?
Yes, businesses are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small and medium sized offices by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, and in the computer industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication.
Source: dsat.org
Can Down syndrome be cured or prevented?
There is no cure for Down syndrome. We are not certain how to prevent the chromosomal error that causes Down syndrome. To date, there is no reason to believe that a parent could have done anything to cause or prevent the birth of their baby with Down syndrome. Some claim that various high-dose vitamins given to children with Down syndrome will improve mental performance and lessen mental retardation. To date, however, there has not been a medical study to prove this actually works. ...
Source: blogfordownsyndrome.com
