What is Down's Syndrome?
Shared Features
John Langdon Down identified common characteristics in children when he was working in an institution for people with disabilities in Surrey, England between 1859 and 1869. It was not, however, known as Down's Syndrome until 1965 when the WHO renamed the condition after the physician.
Down's syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder which occurs by chance at the time of conception. The presence of an additional chromosome means that it is a lifelong condition and there is no cure. It is not an inherited condition but there is a link between maternal age and incidence of DS.
WDSD 2016 wants to raise awareness about what it means to have DS and how people with DS play a vital role in their community.
Whilst people with DS have a number of shared features, it is important to remember that each one has unique personalities and physical differences. Some of the characteristics include; small stature, hypotonia, small nose with flat nasal bridge, broad hands and small fingers with a single palm crease.
There is also a degree of developmental delay and learning disability, mostly to a mild and moderate extent. With the appropriate support, skills are acquired, it often just takes a little longer.
DOWN'S SYNDROME
Named after John Langdon Down
There are around 40,000 people with DS in the UK
- For every 1,000 babies born, one will have Down’s syndrome.
- About 750 babies with Down’s syndrome are born in the UK each year.
- Down’s syndrome affects people of all ages, races, religious and economic situations.
- The average age of someone with DS in the 1980s was 25.
- The average age of someone with DS in the 2000s is between 50 and 60 years old with some living into their 70s.
For extra information, check out some of these websites:
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk www.extra21.org.ukFacts and Figures
Medical
developments have increased the life expectancy of
people with DS.
Health Complications
People with Down's Syndrome have more health associated risks than the general population.
- Heart - around 50% are born with a congenital heart defect.
- Sensory difficulties - sight and hearing impairment
- Thyroid problems - lack of energy and weight gain.
- Dementia - increasingly dementia has become more prevalent in this group. It can occur from the age of 30 to a rate of 50% in those 60 and above.
- Health care professionals use a variety of tools to ensure early detection and close observation of health conditions.
Bright Futures
Futures are increasingly positive for children and adults with Down's Syndrome. We continue to strive to improve the quality of life of each individual, providing support to give choice, independence and independent living, rights and inclusion in their community.
With an progressive effort to educate the general public and health care professionals about learning disabilities, we strive to promote the ability in disability.
#WDSD2016
#MyFriendsMyCommunity
@markdornan47
Where are
we now and where are we going?
Current and Future Research
In 2014, Janet Carr finished her landmark study of 50 years observing a group of people with DS. Commencing when they were just 6 weeks old, she observed over this time complete changes in education policies, social perception and the terminology we use.
Research continues to explore independent living and life in the community. As adults with DS are living longer, research interest has begun to investigate the ageing DS population, dementia in DS, retirement options and palliative care.
World Down's Syndrome Day
21st March 2016
D. M. Dornan
With the
appropriate
support, people with DS can have a fulfilling and happy life
LOADING AWESOME
Each person
with DS is an individual and unique
A source of education and information only, not intended to replace advice of a medical doctor, nurse or healthcare practitioner.
LOADING AWESOME
