down syndrome

down syndrome

Down syndrome
Introduction: Have you ever wondered or questioned the disorder of Down Syndrome? Well, if not, it is a genetic chromosomal disorder that affects both the physical and mental development. According to many National Down Syndrome Society's with the United States, Down Syndrome occurs 1 out of 800 births. It is the most frequent form of mental retardation and is characterized by well-defined events and distinctive features. However there are certain, genetically associated reasons, which are the cause of this disorder. And they are because of the following reasons.
Causes: The most common cause of Down syndrome occurs when an infant is born with three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome (known medically as trisomy 21). Normally there are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), half of which are inherited from each parent. Children with Down syndrome, however, have cells that usually contain not 46, but 47 chromosomes, the extra one being a third chromosome 21. It is this extra genetic material in infants with Down syndrome that disrupts their physical and cognitive development. Why Down syndrome occurs is a mystery. It can happen to anyone. Scientists do know that women ages 35 and older have a significantly high chance of having a baby with Ds.
 
Interesting Facts that I learned: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans, it results when a person's cells contain 47 chromosomes, instead of 46. Down syndrome occurs with every nationality, race, religion, and socio-economic status. While the age of the mother can be a factor, 80 percent of people with Down syndrome are born to parents under the age of 35. The average age of the mother is 26. There is no exact cause of this chromosomal abnormality; it still continues to be unknown, yet more than 6,000 people with Down syndrome are born within the United States each year. Down syndrome occurs in males and females evenly. The individual with Down syndrome will most likely have...