Down+syndrome

//**Down syndrome **//


 * Overview[[image:downoverview.png width="195" height="176" align="left"]] **

Down syndrome is a condition that delays the development of the body and mind due to extra genetic material. The extra genetic material people with Down syndrome have is the chromosome 21.

The most common is to have a complete other 21 chromosome in one of the gametes either male or female, however there are also cases of people with a part of the 21 chromosome attached to another one. This causes genes to be replicated thus causing double genes, which manifest in mental and physical mutations. This defect in the chromosomes is mostly random and the inheritance rate is very low. However, maternal age can influence the chances to give birth to a child with Down syndrome. In women ages 20-24 the probability is one in 1562, at 35-39 the probability is one in 214 and at above 45 the probability is one in 19. Nevertheless, 80% of children with Down syndrome come from women under 35 because of the higher fertility rates this age group has.

Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal diseases in the world. In the United States one in every 691 children has Down syndrome.




 * Symptoms **

The most common symptoms which 100% percent of the population that has down syndrome has are mental retardation with an average IQ of 35-70; slower growth resulting in shorter height (the average height for an adult man with down syndrome is 5 feet 1’ and for a woman is 4 feet 9’).

Other characteristics include small muscle mass and muscle tone, small genitals, shorter extremities, creased eyelids, flat nose and face and smaller neck, fingers and teeth.


 * Benefits and Limitations **


 * // Benefits //**

A big benefit that people with Down syndrome have is the lower risk of having timorous diseases like cancer. This is because of specific cancer fighting genes found in chromosome 21 that are doubled up.

Another benefit is for doctors and scientists to find a way to prevent this disease through the use of genetic engineering. Because a single gene does not cause Down syndrome, it is more difficult to prevent or cure. They would have to remove or neutralize the extra 21 chromosome.

Furthermore, there is a big need in the prevention aspect of Down syndrome. There are some genetic tests that can tell the parents the probability of having a child with Down syndrome. These tests are either incredibly invasive with a high miscarriage rate but very accurate or not so invasive but not 100% accurate.


 * // Limitations //**


 * Mental **

• Disruptive and impulsive • Anxious •Obsessive-controlling disorders •Social problems, incredibly introverted • Sleep issues • Depression • Dementia


 * Physical **

• Higher risk of heart’s disease • Infertility • Higher risk of having thyroid disorders • Speech delay • Fine and Gross Motor skills delay


 * Ethical Implications **

The ethical implications of Down syndrome mostly touch on the decision if parents should have them or not if they are given a chance to predict the existence of such disease. This ties in with the discussion of abortion. Some say that it is efficient to prevent this kind of diseases due to the fact it will help the family save many troubles like economic issues and stress and also cause the affected child a lot of burden growing up different and with more challenges that a regular child. On the other hand, some argue that each life is worth living and welcoming with respect and love no matter what the offspring might look like or have.


 * Society **

How society views and treat a child may greatly affect their development. This is why it is so important for everyone to know how to treat people with this disease.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century mental retardation was viewed as a curse, whoever had it was believed to be possessed, consequently, they were taken away basic rights and were neglected from society as a whole. This has changed but there is still some misconception about people with Down syndrome that may cause some discrimination that can still be seen today.


 * Works Cited **

Anderson, Kerby. "Genetic Engineering." Leadership University. Probe Ministries International, 1998. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

Deliz, Abby. "Down Syndrome Children." Suite101.com. 9 Sept. 2008. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

"Down Syndrome: What Is It?" Your Genes, Your Health. National Down Syndrome Society. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

Eucine. "Down Syndrome." NICHD. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

"Living with Down Syndrome." Down Syndrome Education Online. Down Syndrome Education International. Web. 8 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

"NDSS." Welcome to NDSS. NDSS, 2010. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. < [] >.

Pueschel, Siegfried M. "Ethical Considerations in the Life of a Child with Down Syndrome." //CBS Interactive//. CBS Interactive Business Network, 29 June 0090. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. .