What Is This Disorder?Down Syndrome is a disorder in which a person is born with extra genetic material in their chromosomes. Scientists believe that these extra genes cause increased risk of dementia. However, scientists don't yet understand how these extra genes present in down syndrome cause the developmental and health issues. As shown on the image below, chromosome 21 has three copies instead of two.
Death Rate:"Down syndrome remains a condition that shortens lifespan...People with Down syndrome currently live, on average, about 55 to 60 years, although some live into their seventies and, rarely, into their eighties."
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SymptomsUnlike Huntington's Disease, in which the patient starts to lose memory or thought process, patients with down syndrome have a change in personality and behavior. Many of these symptoms may include disinterest in things, change in mood, change in coordination or movement, and increased noise.
TreatmentCurrently there is no full treatment for down syndrome, because scientists don't actually know everything about the causes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved any drugs for patients to take. In the United Kingdom, however, Cholinesterase Inhibitors, a class or drugs approved in the U.S. and many other countries for Alzheimer's Disease, is approved for administering to patients with down syndrome. However, this drug does not seem to have a useful effect.
The website I found suggested contacting: National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) at 800.221.4602 |
All information found at: http://www.alz.org/dementia/down-syndrome-alzheimers-symptoms.asp