What kind of people does Down syndrome affect?

What kind of people does Down syndrome affect?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6,000 babies are born in the United States each year with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal cause of mild to moderate intellectual disability, and it occurs in all ethnic and economic groups.

What happens to your body when you have Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome have a greater tendency to be obese compared with the general population. Spinal problems. Some people with Down syndrome may have a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck (atlantoaxial instability). This condition puts them at risk of serious injury to the spinal cord from overextension of the neck. Leukemia.

What are the risks for children with Down syndrome?

Compared to children without Down syndrome, children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for: 1 Hearing loss (up to 75% may be affected). 2 Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where a person’s breathing temporarily stops while asleep… 3 Ear infections (between 50 -70% may be affected). 4 Eye diseases, like cataracts (up to 60%).

Can a person with Down syndrome be an adult?

But that thinking doesn’t really stand anymore, she says. Now many people with Down syndrome do work and have independence. That’s not to say adulthood with Down syndrome does not come with its challenges, nor does it necessarily look the same as adulthood for people without the condition. Here’s some more information about what to expect.

What’s the average life span of a person with Down syndrome?

Down syndrome survival The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increased dramatically between 1960 and 2007. In 1960, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 10 years old. Many factors can affect how long a person with Down syndrome lives.

What are the positive effects of Down syndrome?

They tend to be more mature, protective , and develop their own skills at a faster level. People who have a Down Syndrome family member tend to be accepting of others with any disability and are more sensitive to the challenges others outside the home may face.

Can people overcome Down syndrome?

There’s no cure for Down syndrome, but a variety of therapies and services can be beneficial for those with the genetic condition. There’s no way to cure Down syndrome because it’s a genetic disorder. But there are many ways to help people living with the condition manage their disabilities and lead happy and productive lives.

What is the effect of Down syndrome on the body?

In Down syndrome, every cell in the body has an extra chromosome (or piece of a chromosome). The effect of this extra DNA varies, but commonly people who have Down syndrome have mental disability, atypical facial structure, and physical defects, especially heart defects.

What can Down syndrome do to you?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that occurs when an error in cell division results in an extra chromosome 21. Down syndrome can affect a person’s cognitive ability and physical growth, cause mild to moderate developmental issues, and present a higher risk of some health problems.