Down Syndrome-Specific Topics

 What is Down Syndrome?


Down syndrome is a genetic condition as a result of the extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional chromosome affects the development of the individual, leading to differences in physical features, intelligence, and health. Down syndrome is not an illness or disease—it's a lifelong condition that is highly variable from one person to another.


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Types of Down Syndrome


There are three main types of Down syndrome:


1. Trisomy 21 (About 95% of cases)


This is the most common type. Every cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.


2. Translocation Down Syndrome (About 3-4% of cases)


A segment of chromosome 21 breaks off and becomes attached to some other chromosome before or at conception. The person still has the normal two copies of chromosome 21, but there is extra material from chromosome 21 elsewhere attached.




3. Mosaic Down Syndrome (About 1-2% of all cases)


Only a few of the cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21, while the others have the usual two copies. This can result in fewer characteristics of Down syndrome based on the proportion of affected cells.


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Facts About Down Syndrome


Down syndrome is not the result of anything the parents have done before or during pregnancy.


Down syndrome occurs in one in every 700 babies born worldwide.


The risk increases with the mother's age, but most babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35, simply because younger women give birth more frequently.


People with Down syndrome can live long and healthy lives—many live into their 60s and beyond.


People with Down syndrome generally have special strengths, such as outstanding emotional intelligence and visual memory.


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