Factors in Down Syndrome Life Expectancy and the Relationship of Healthcare’s Advancement

Since Down Syndrome in the second half of the 19th century was discovered and classified as a separate disease, the life expectancy of children born from this genetic disorder has increased significantly. Likewise, along with this timetable, great advances in science and medicine are also observed. Resulting in a deeper understanding of this relatively common birth defects as Down's syndrome as a specific study of single disease, genetic and chromosomal disease in later studies.

Advances in medical technology have made patients with Down's syndrome have a longer life expectancy than ever before. In 1910, children with Down's syndrome are expected to survive until 9 years of age. Due to the discovery of antibiotics, the mean survival age increased from 19 to 20 years. Currently, due to recent advances in clinical treatment for corrective cardiac surgery, 80% of Down syndrome adults have reached 60 years of age. And many people live longer. More and more Americans interact with people with Down's syndrome, increasing the need for extensive public education and acceptance

As Down's syndrome patients live longer they are becoming more aware of Down's syndrome. People with Down Syndrome are integrated into school and working team. Advances in technology also extended the average life expectancy. In 1910, children with Down Syndrome only lived until 9 years old (National Down Syndrome Association). After discovering antibiotics, life expectancy increased to 19 or 20 (National Down Syndrome Association). Today, 80% of people are 55 years old, many people live long (National Down Syndrome Association). Every year, 5000 infants with Down's syndrome are born, and more than 350,000 families in the United States have Down syndrome (National Down Syndrome Association). As the number of people with Down's syndrome continues to increase, there is a growing need for public awareness of this genetic disease to promote the acceptance of affected people.

When Jen Jacob presented a seemingly simple question on Facebook during Down Syndrome Awareness Month: "What is the mean life expectancy of patients with Down's syndrome in 1910?" Ears, the answer is that people Because it is not easy enough to believe. Indeed, the parent's Down's Syndrome Guide, a recent resource released on January 1, 2016, includes not only the parent's and parent's experience but also various trusted resources. Research, personal medical, legal and advocacy authorities including information on current data, and organizational leadership. However, general statistics on average lifespan of patients with Down's syndrome are not included.