Down Syndrome

By: Igor and Hestevan

History• English physician John

Langdon Down first characterized Down syndrome as a distinct form of mental disability in 1862.

• Down syndrome had become the most recognizable form of mental disability.

• Most individuals with Down syndrome were treated, and most died in infancy or early adult life.

Why does it happen?

• Down syndrome occurs when some or all of a person’s cells have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

Signs and Sympthoms

• Individuals with Down syndrome may have some or all of the following physical characteristics:

• Abnormally small chin • Oblique eye fissures with

epicanthic skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes

• Poor muscle tone • Flat nasal bridge • Protruding tongue • Face is flat and broad“• Short neck, • Short fingers.

Symptoms

Individuals with Down syndrome have a higher risk for many conditions. Some problems are present at birth, such as certain heart malformations. Others become apparent over time, such as epilepsy.

-Congenital heart disease

-Malignancies

-Decreased incidence of many cancer types

-Thyroid disorders

-Gastrointestinal disorders

-Ophthalmology and otolaryngology

-Infertility

-Hearing loss

Characteristics / Percentage

Some facts about Down Syndrome• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal

condition.  

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. 

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

•  The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at one per 800 to one per 1000 births.

Are people with Down Syndrome always happy?

• People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else in the population. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

Can Down Syndrome be cured or prevented?

• Research on Down syndrome is making great strides in identifying the genes on chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Scientists now feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

National Association for Down Syndrome

NADS is funded by private and corporate donations, fundraising events and by membership dues

Their mission is to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential in all aspects of community life. They offer information, support, and advocacy.

Organizations throughout the world organize and participate in events to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.

The National Association for Down Syndrome and other organizations are in charge of this events.

Down Syndrome also can work !

Notable individuals

-Danny Alsabbagh

-Chris Burke

-Edward Barbanell

Resources :

http://www.google.es/#hl=es&cp=16&gs_id=1y&xhr=t&q=Down+syndrome+organizations&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=Down+syndrome+or&aq=0L&aqi=g-L4&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&fp=1&biw=1280&bih=890&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&cad=b

http://www.wikipedia.org/

http://www.nads.org/

http://www.ndss.org/

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