What causes Down syndrome?
Some facts about Down syndrome:
Here are some quick facts about Down syndrome -
- A woman conceiving over 35 yrs. of age has the chances of giving birth to a child affected by Down Syndrome.
- Instead of the regular two copies of chromosomes, those affected by Down Syndrome have a third copy of chromosome 21.
- There are certain physical abnormalities in Down syndrome like flat nasal bridge, upward slanting eyes, short neck & limbs, low muscle tone and a shorter stature.
- Intellectual and cognitive disabilities vary from person to person.
- Those affected with Down Syndrome often have the chance of developing some severe medical conditions like celiac disease, hypothyroidism, leukaemia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
- With age, a decline in memory and intellectual ability is observed. Alzheimer's Disease is a common symptom after 50 years.
- Trisomy 21 - This is the most common form of Down Syndrome where there are three chromosome 21 in every cell instead of two.
- Mosaicism - In this form, children are born with an extra chromosome in some cells, though not in all.
- Translocation - Here, an extra part of Chromosome 21 is attached to one of the 46 chromosomes.
- Eyes are slanted upwards with oblique fissures and white spots on the iris.
- Low muscle tone and a shorter stature.
- Short neck & limbs
- Protruding tongue
- Flat nasal bridge
- Large gap between the larger and second toe.
- Delay in speech
- Sedated cognitive development (varies from person to person)
- Slow development of fine motor skills
- Takes time to learn to sit, crawl or walk than normal kids
- Impulsive behaviour at times
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