What is Down Syndrome?

It might happen so that the abnormal cell separation ends up the way it should not be. Additional genetic material from 21 chromosomes appears. That is what causes a so-called down syndrome. Being a simple form at first, it may become rather serious of not diagnosed on time. People who suffer from this syndrome experience difficulty with everyday activities that require at least a bit of intellectual load. It prevents from healthy development.

Slow muscle development is another symptom. The ligaments required to provide a healthy activity of various body parts need more time to develop than in healthy person. The low-speed development of the muscles causes their weakness. Because of that, patients with this symptom are under the threat of other disorders associated with bones and muscles such as spinal cord compression.

Speaking about the physical qualities, it seems that the patients with Down syndrome have too short necks. It is one of the disorders which can be noticed by the physical appearance of the person, not only internal problems. In more than 80% of all cases, children and even newborn babies demonstrate obvious physical deviations. The length of the neck is then beyond the average. The symptom may disappear with age.

Have you noticed any brush field spots in your child? One more common sign is the formations in the eye iris. When you notice it, do not panic immediately – it’s a common sign many children may experience at the early stages. Once the connective tissue aggregates, the symptom shows up. It is curious that European population experiences brush field spots more often than other ethnic groups.

The lack of sober mind and reasonable judgment may be one more symptom. Except for the various physiological discomforts, the patients are disturbed by the regular mental problems. As a rule, people with Down syndrome are joyful, excited by the world around, always willing to party, and seem restless; there are episodes in their lives when the mood can change to the opposite. Each time these patients face a dilemma or the need to make a weighted decision, they simply get lost and turn nervous.

The persons with Down syndrome are slow learners. It is difficult for them to demonstrate research skills, critical thinking, or valuable analysis as they lack judgment and sober mind. In separate cases, the patients manage to cope with these problems and educate more or less effectively. The symptoms of slow learning include delayed speech or time-consuming motor development.

People who have Down syndrome have difficulties trying to focus on details. It is hard for them to set priorities or concentrate on the most important daily activities. Every patient with this syndrome possesses a certain level of cognitive retardation. It is challenging to teach such kids; they cannot also master self-development. It is almost impossible for these patients even to start reading.

People with Down syndrome may be rather emotional and impulsive. Their mood may often change without any good reasons. Because it is hard for these children to interpret/express their feelings and thoughts, they feel desperate and frustrated. Any complex school assignment may turn into the nightmare for both the young patient and his teacher. It is difficult for these patients to follow a routine or, vice versa, regularly change the environment.

It’s time to talk about the reasons for Down syndrome to develop. Every human body should contain 23 chromosomes. These elements are passed equally by the baby’s parents. However, babies with Down syndrome possess chromosome 21. That’s not a regular cell separation. That’s how additional genetic material appears.

Finally, let’s consider the threats. Those parents who experience certain factors and obstacles are more likely to give birth to a baby with Down syndrome. It is important to take into account the maternal age (older eggs are under the threat of improper cell division) as well as the genetic translocation (whether one of the parents has the same syndrome).