What is life like for someone with Down syndrome?

What is life like for someone with Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome can feel angry, sad, embarrassed or excited. In fact, rather than always being happy, people with Down syndrome are at higher risk of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviour than the general population.

What are two characteristics of individuals with trisomy 21?

An individual with Down syndrome inherits all or part of an extra copy of Chromosome 21. Symptoms associated with the syndrome include mental retardation, distinctive facial characteristics, and increased risk for heart defects and digestive problems, which can range from mild to severe.

What is the life expectancy of someone with trisomy 21?

Many adult patients are healthier and better integrated into society, and life expectancy has improved from 25 years in 1983 to 60 years or higher today. Approximately 75% of concepti with trisomy 21 die in embryonic or fetal life. Approximately 25-30% of patients with Down syndrome die during the first year of life.

What is trisomy 21 a consequence of?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.

What are some fun facts about Down syndrome?

One in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the U.S. In 1983, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome was a mere 25-years-old. Today, it’s 60.

Can people with Down syndrome drive?

Many people with Down Syndrome lead independent lives, this includes being able to drive. If a person with Down syndrome can read and pass a driver’s education class and pass a road test, then they can get a driver’s license. Each case is independent and must be evaluated.

What are 3 interesting facts about Down syndrome?

Facts About Down Syndrome

• Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in 700 births.
• There are three types of Down syndrome.
• Down syndrome has been depicted in historical paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Prenatal screening for Down syndrome is available.
• Other health problems can occur with Down syndrome.

Can a Down syndrome person drive?

Down Syndrome Driving Classses Many people with Down Syndrome lead independent lives, this includes being able to drive. If a person with Down syndrome can read and pass a driver’s education class and pass a road test, then they can get a driver’s license.

Do people with Down syndrome have kids?

Misconception: People who have Down syndrome cannot have children. Reality: It’s true that a person with Down syndrome may have significant challenges in rearing a child. But women who have Down syndrome are fertile and can give birth to children.

What causes trisomy 21?

Trisomy 21 is caused by the presence of a third chromosome 21, caused by an abnormality during cell division. Chromosome 21 is the smallest chromosome: it has about 300 genes. In 95% of trisomy 21 cases, this excess chromosome is found in all the cells of the body of the affected people.

Who really discovered trisomy 21?

It was first described in 1866 and is named after John Langdon Down, the doctor who first identified the syndrome. The cause of Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, was discovered in 1959.

Why does trisomy 21 cause Down syndrome?

About 95 percent of the time, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21 — the person has three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual two copies, in all cells. This is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell.

What is high risk for trisomy 21?

Trisomy 21 (Down) syndrome is associated with a major risk for heart malformations, a lesser risk of duodenal atresia (part of the small intestines is not developed), and a minor but still significant risk of acute leukemia. Trisomy 21 is due to an extra copy of chromosome number 21.