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5 FAQs About Down Syndrome

A genetic condition that affects people regardless of race or wealth, Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21 in their body. As a result of the genetic change, an individual will have facial, intellectual and developmental disabilities. They could also suffer from health issues, related among other things to their heart and/or thyroid.

To help shed some light on the condition, here are five frequently asked questions about Down syndrome.

Question #1: Does everyone with Down syndrome experience the same effects?

Every person who suffers from Down syndrome will experience different effects and degrees of those effects as a result of the condition. Some of the traits include smaller stature, eyes having an upward slant, lower muscle tone. The degree of cognitive and developmental disabilities will also differ per person.

Question #2: Is Down syndrome hereditary?

Generally, Down syndrome is not a hereditary condition. It is a randomly occurring genetic disorder that will impact a very small percentage of children who are born in a given year.

Among the three types of Down syndrome, one is hereditary (translocation). But it only accounts for two to three percent of people who have Down syndrome in the world.

Question #3: Is the age of the mother relevant to a child developing Down syndrome?

Yes. The instances of a child born with Down syndrome increase when the mother gets older. However, young women are a lot more fertile than older women. It is the reason why roughly 80 percent of Down syndrome children are born to mothers who are 35 or younger.

Question #4: What is the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome?

There was a time when the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome was in the mid-20's. But it has changed dramatically in the past couple decades, with individuals now able to live into their 50's and 60's.

Question #5: Can individuals with Down syndrome live a normal life?

Yes. Through good education, home setup and health care, and the support of family, friends and the community, children with Down syndrome can go on to lead an independent and very productive and fulfilling life.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for any treatment, diagnosis, decision or any other similar action. It is neither a medical advice nor a substitute for one. For any health-related issue, always consult with a professional.