How Long Do People With Down Syndrome Live

March 6, 2023 Alex T. Uncategorized 0

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Down Syndrome?
  3. Causes of Down Syndrome
  4. Symptoms of Down Syndrome
  5. How Long Do People With Down Syndrome Live?
  6. Factors That Impact Life Expectancy
  7. Treatment Options for Down Syndrome
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, affecting about 1 in every 700 babies born. People with Down syndrome have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, and life expectancy has increased significantly over the past few decades. In this article, we will discuss how long people with Down syndrome live, and the factors that impact their life expectancy.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, affecting about 1 in every 700 babies born. People with Down syndrome have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, and life expectancy has increased significantly over the past few decades.

Causes of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is a genetic disorder, meaning it is caused by a change in the genetic material of the baby. It is not caused by anything the parents did or did not do.

Symptoms of Down Syndrome

People with Down syndrome have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. Common physical features include low muscle tone, small stature, and an upward slant to the eyes. Common cognitive abilities include delayed development of speech and language skills, difficulty with abstract concepts, and difficulty with problem solving.

How Long Do People With Down Syndrome Live?

The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased significantly over the past few decades. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, the average life expectancy of people with Down syndrome is now 60 years. This is an increase of more than 30 years since the 1980s.

Factors That Impact Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome is affected by a variety of factors. These include the presence of other medical conditions, such as heart defects, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. Other factors that can affect life expectancy include access to medical care, lifestyle choices, and overall health.

Treatment Options for Down Syndrome

There is no cure for Down syndrome, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. These treatments can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and educational interventions. In addition, medications can be used to treat some of the medical conditions that are associated with Down syndrome.

Conclusion

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, and life expectancy has increased significantly over the past few decades. The average life expectancy of people with Down syndrome is now 60 years, and this is affected by a variety of factors, including access to medical care, lifestyle choices, and overall health. There is no cure for Down syndrome, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.

Sources:

  1. National Down Syndrome Society. (n.d.). Life Expectancy. Retrieved from https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/life-expectancy/

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Down Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html