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Down syndrome is one of the most frequently occurring birth defects in the world. It is a chromosomal abnormality which results in 47 chromosomes, instead of 46, with an extra chromosome being 21. Because the majority of Down syndrome cases affect the twenty-first chromosome, it is commonly called trisomy 21. Down syndrome is usually caused by a cell division error, which is known as non-disjunction. This occurs when an embryo develops with three number 21 chromosomes instead of two. This excess genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics of this syndrome.
The cause of this faulty cell division is still unknown, although there seems to be some relatedness to maternal age. There are two other types of Down syndrome, mysticism and translocation, but these do not affect individuals as frequently as non-disjunction. Mosaicism is a mixture of two cell types, leaving the individual with some normal chromosomes of 46, and some affected ones with 47. Translocation occurs when part of the twenty-first chromosome breaks off and attaches to another cell. The total number of chromosomes is 46, however the excess material from the twenty-first chromosome results in the affects of the syndrome. With translocation, most cases occur sporadically, with no bearing on maternal age.
These two types of this syndrome are very rare, being responsible for only 6 or 7 percent of all cases. Children with Down syndrome are at high risk for health problems. These include congenital heart defects, respiratory problems, increased susceptibility to infections, and / or obstructed digestive tracts. Leukemia has a greater frequency of appearance among children with Down syndrome, and adults are at an increased risk for Alzheimers disease. Advances in medicine have helped these individuals with their health problems, and generally people with Down syndrome have a life expectancy of 55 years. The mental development of people with Down syndrome is challenged through some degree of mental retardation.
Typically, the level of mental retardation falls into the mild to moderate range, but some cause can range severely. However, people with Down syndrome possess a multitude of individual strengths and talents. For this reason, a child should have as many services accessible to them throughout their entire development. Early intervention services, stimulating home environments, and good medical care are of the utmost importance for a child with Down syndrome, and will help a child develop to his / her full potential. Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming increasingly involved with society and community organizations, and more people will interact with these individuals. Therefore, there is an increasing need for education and acceptance of people with this syndrome.
Works Cited Unknown author. Down Syndrome. Public Health Education Information Sheet. [Online] Available web pregnancy / down synd . html. html, March 25, 1993. Unknown author.
Down Syndrome. [Online] Available web tmm 2 / Down syndrome. html Unknown author. Down Syndrome: For New Parents. [Online] Available http: // geocities. com / heartland /prairie/ 3272
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