What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by a defect in chromosome 21. (Geraldine, 2012) Genetic material in the chromosome affects cell growth and function. (Geraldine, 2012) Children of DS have three copies of three chromosomes 21 instead of two normal copies. (Geraldine, 2012) This may cause problems with immune defense, developmental inhibition, physical malformations and normal bodily functions. (Ram, 2011) Diagnosis of DS has overwhelming influence on parents who care for parents and children.

What is the cause of Down's syndrome? Down syndrome is usually caused by a cell division abnormality called non-segregation. However, two other types of chromosomal aberrations, mosaics and translocations are also associated with Down's syndrome. Regardless of the type of down syndrome in humans, all people with Down's syndrome have chromosome 21 added to all or part of the cells. This additional genetic material alters the developmental process and leads to syndrome-related features.

In Down's syndrome Down's syndrome, one is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. And it is one of 23 human chromosomes. Scientists do not know why Down Syndrome is at high risk of Alzheimer's disease, but it may be associated with extra copies of chromosome 21. This chromosome contains the gene encoding APP, which is excised into beta-amyloid fragment in Alzheimer's disease and accumulates in plaques. Extra copies of chromosome 21 increase the number of beta-amyloid fragments in the brain

Many people with Down's syndrome develop Alzheimer's disease. The symptoms and signs of Alzheimer's disease often appear 10 to 20 years earlier than people with Down's syndrome. Genes contained in extra chromosomes that cause Down's syndrome markedly increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. These risk factors are also associated with vascular dementia, which is a type of dementia caused by damaged blood vessels in the brain. Cooperating with your medical team to plan to manage these factors will help protect your heart - and may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia Hmm

Down syndrome is a lifelong disease. Infants and children with Down's syndrome help to improve the physical and intellectual abilities of infants and children. Most of these services focus on helping children with Down's syndrome get the full potential. These services usually include language, occupation, and physical therapy provided through the state's early intervention program. Although many children are included in regular classes, children with Down Syndrome may also need additional assistance or attention at school.