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Down Syndrome

What a difference an extra chromosome can make. Here we explore the misconceptions -- as well as the ups and downs -- of Down Syndrome, a congenital genetic disorder that is caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. The affected person is mildly to moderately handicapped, short in stature, and has a flattened facial profile.

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How can down syndrome affect a child physically emotionally socially and intellectually?

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Asked by Wiki User

Down's syndrome will give your child a total amount of 47 chromosomes in his/her somatic cells as opposed to the normal human who has only 46 chromosomes in his/her somatic cells. In addition Down's syndrome will lower the metal ability of the child and will give the child distinct facial features (such as a very circular face).

It also affects the fertility of the child as well. Males are mostly sterile and females can be fertile, but it is very hard to have a baby. Usually the baby is prematurely born, aborted naturally, or needed surgery to take out.

Where does Down syndrome affect the most?

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It is found in all places the same.

What race does Down syndrome affect?

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Down Syndrome affects all races.

Down Syndrome does not affect all races evenly its affects Mexicans more than any one else.

Hispanics have larger numbers of live births suffering from Down Syndrome because they do not terminate their DS pregnancies, like other races do.

Is down syndrome fatal or life threatening?

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It usually is not fatal.

Is down syndrome autosomal or sex-linked?

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No. It is due to a non-disjunction problem when the sperm and egg meet to form a zygote.

Is there any link between Aspergers and Down syndrome?

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I have refractory ceoliac type 2 which means I have non hodgkins lymphoma. I also suffer from Aspergers (diagnosed). I would be surprised not to find a link between undiagnosed ceoliac disease, Autism and cancer. A lot of Autistics have issues with the proteins in gluten/wheat and dairy due to a leaky gut causing toxicity. Chronic inflammation and Candida are also a common problems in which cancer can cohabitate. Not all will end up with cancer but it is certainly possible.

How do people with Down syndrome feel?

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As with any child, there will be both sadness and joy. Initially sadness because the mother worries that her child will never be able to lead a "normal" life. Joy, because Down's Syndrome people tend to be unusually cheerful, friendly, empathetic and loving. People with DS can have very happy and fulfilling lives.

What are some organizations that can help a family cope with a child's down syndrome?

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National Down Syndrome Society is one of the organizations that help spread awareness and seek cure for Down syndrome.

Research Down Syndrome www.researchds.org is a 501c3 non-profit foundation that supports Down syndrome cognitive research at leading universities with the goal of developing biomedical therapies to treat the cognitive impairment of people with all ages with Down syndrome.

Why is Down syndrome a recessive trait?

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Down syndrome is not a recessive trait. Down syndrome is caused by a third copy on chromosome 21 and is present at conception or shortly after. It is mostly a random (and relatively common) occurrence, unless it is of the translocation type which is rare and genetic. Therefore it is NOT a trait.

Is Down syndrome a emotional disorder?

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Technically, it's a developmental illness, but basically, yes. Down syndrome is caused by a defection in the chromosomes in a person. It happens when a third 21st chromosome is copied. It causes the person to develop slower mentally and physically. There are other problems that often accompany Down syndrome, such as hip dysplasia. This is when the person has a too shallow socket on their pelvic bone and the ball on their femur often slips out of the socket, causing it to dislocate. This can be incredibly painful, but, sometimes, the person can't feel anything.

[My sister has Down syndrome]

Is autism a form of Down syndrome?

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The symptoms, characteristics and outcomes of these two conditions are quite different. Down syndrome is a developmental disorder. Rett syndrome is classified more specifically as a pervasive developmental disorder. A child with Down syndrome can also have a pervasive developmental disorder. At least one girl has been confirmed as having both Down syndrome and Rett syndrome by laboratory testing.

Rett syndrome is a neurological and neurodevelopmental disorder that mostly occurs in females and is the result of a chromosomal abnormality. It is caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene in many of the cases. Infants with Rett syndrome seem to grow and develop normally at first but then they begin to lose skills and abilities before age three. The child loses skills rapidly with purposeful hand movement and speech among the first skills lost. The ability to walk is also lost. Rett affects approximately 1 in 10,000 children. Children with Rett syndrome will grow into adulthood but will need constant care. Down syndrome is one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormalities affecting as many as 1 in 753 children. It causes delays in physical and intellectual development. Children with Down syndrome have certain physical characteristics including a flattened facial profile, low muscle tone and an upward slant to the eyes. They have developmental delays but should be given every opportunity to develop their talents through education, vocational, and independent living training. With appropriate support children with Down syndrome can become quite successful adults. An abundance of information relating to both disorders is available online.

What is the best diet for someone who has Down syndrome?

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The nutritional needs for child with Downs Syndrome would be same as any child with two possibly three difference: Their immune system tends to be weaker so more fruit would help with vitamin C; Since their activity level maybe lower than average child watching how much calories they intake would be helpful to guard against over weight; Many take anti-seizure medication Dilatin which hamper the body naturally getting B12 from food so more dark green vegetables including broccoli spinach dark green lettuce might help because they have high levels of B12. Not sure of other anti-seizure medication, but they all seem to have same side effects.

Is Klinefelter's syndrome the same as Down syndrome?

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Klinefelter = XXY

Turner's = X

Klinefelter syndrome is the extra X and can lead to somewhat of a female secondary sexual characteristic in men.

Turner's is the single X some women receive and can cause short stature and lack of secondary sexual characteristics.

Down syndrome is usually caused by an extra copy of what chromosome?

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Down syndrome occurs because of the extra chromosome on chromosome 21. If you go onto google images and type in karyotype of Down syndrome, you will find a picture of the extra chromosome. Instead of having two chromosomes on chromosome 21, there is an extra.

Type your answer here...

Why did evolution not occur in down syndrome?

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Asked by Wiki User

Down Syndrome is a the addition of an extra chromosome and not really related to evolution. It is more of a genetic mutation that causes this event to occur.

Do Asians have down syndrome?

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The answer is yes; any person of any race can have Down syndrome. Down syndrome is caused by a defect in the 21st pair of chromosomes.

Are there multiple levels of Down syndrome?

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No,because it is a syndrome and not a disease there are No "Levels".

When is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the US?

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March 21World Down Syndrome Day is marked every year on March 21.

To read more about this annual event - and to access a slew of useful links on matters pertaining to Down syndrome - click on the Related Link.

Why are so many Down syndrome people overweight - is it connected to their metabolism?

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Yes, it is true. They have hypotonia or weakened muscles. In addition, they have slow peristalsis and slow metabolism.

What is a punnet square for Down syndrome?

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Down Syndrome is not represented by a punnett square because it is not a genetic disorder. Instead, it is a chromosomal disorder. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes adding to a total of 46 chromosomes. Individuals who have Down Syndrome have a total of 47 chromosomes because instead of having a set of 2 #21 chromosomes, he/she has 3 #21 chromosomes. This is a result of nondisjunction which can occur during meiosis. During meiosis, the chromosomal number is supposed to be halved. During nondisjunction, all of the homologous chromosomes (matching chromosomes from mom and dad) do not separate during meiosis. In the case of Down Syndrome, the #21 chromosomes fail to separate during meiosis. This results in an egg or sperm cell having one less or one more chromosome #21. If a normal egg or sperm forms a zygote with a egg or sperm that has an extra #21 chromosome, the resulting person will have Down Syndrome, also called Trisomy 21. The same thing can happen for other chromosomes, resulting in a different disorder.

This question has been improved by another user: actually, this is both a genetic disorder and a chromosomal disorder. It is a genetic disorder because this disorder is often transmitted from one (or both) of the parents to their young. It is possible to make a punnett square, however there is a better way to do this, which is why you probably will not find a punnett square of this disease online. The better way is by using a karyotype. I know this because i am in a 9th grade bio honors class and i have been studying this disease for over 2 weeks now.. hi yea no your wrong because down syndrome is a genetic disorder :)

What are the physical signs of someone with Down syndrome?

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Asked by Wiki User

Below is a list of common physical traits of someone with Down syndrome.

(Bear in mind that every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees - or may not even exhibit them at all.)

  • low muscle tone
  • small stature
  • an upward slant to the eyes
  • a single deep crease across the center of the palm.

Can Down syndrome live normal?

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Well, define normal. The truth is, it depends on the individual. Mental retardation is common in Down Syndrome, but the degree varies greatly. Some people with Down Syndrome are able to live independently, work in the community, even go to university. Others are not as capable and require more assistance. The important thing is to remember that a person with Down Syndrome has strengths and weaknesses just like anyone else. Early interventions, educational programs, and family support can help to identify and augment those strengths giving the child the best chance to fulfill his potential and live a happy full life.

Can you tell when you're pregnant if you're going to have a down syndrome child?

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Asked by Wiki User

You don't automatically "just know", if that's what you mean. There are tests that can be done, however.