How does Down syndrome affect the human body?
An individual with Down syndrome inherits all or part of an extra copy of Chromosome 21. Symptoms associated with the syndrome include mental retardation, distinctive facial characteristics, and increased risk for heart defects and digestive problems, which can range from mild to severe.
How does Down syndrome affect the skeletal system?
Several musculoskeletal abnormalities are associated with Down syndrome, including hypermobility of the joints, as well as low bone density, resulting in frequent fractures of both long bones & vertebral bodies in this population. Hypermobility is a combined effect of muscle hypotonia and excessive ligamentous laxity.
How does Down syndrome affect the central nervous system?
Down’s syndrome has manifestations in many systems. The syndrome has many neurological complications, which include structural changes, mental retardation, young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and basal ganglia damage. Epileptic seizures are more prevalent in Down’s syndrome patients than in the general population.
How does Down syndrome affect the endocrine system?
Children with Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, have a higher likelihood of developing endocrine disorders than the general population. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in Down syndrome. About 10 percent of children with Down syndrome are diagnosed with congenital or acquired hypothyroidism.
What part of the body does Down syndrome mostly affect?
Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body.
Does Down syndrome get worse with age?
Adults with Down syndrome experience “accelerated aging,” meaning they will age faster than the general population. It is expected that adults with Down syndrome will show physical, medical, and cognitive signs of aging much earlier than what is expected for their age.
Is Trisomy 21 a neurological disorder?
The four ages of Down syndrome. The disorder is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21 and is associated with many neurological complications, including cognitive deficits, seizures, early-onset dementia that resembles Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological complications of systemic disorders.
How does Down syndrome affect the heart?
The most common heart defect in children with Down syndrome is an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), a large hole in the center of the heart. But other heart defects are possible and can occur, including: Atrial septal defect. Ventricular septal defect.
Can thyroid problems cause Down syndrome?
Thyroid disease has been recognized as the most common endocrine problem associated with Down syndrome. Some of the thyroid conditions associated with Down syndrome include: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT): HT is an autoimmune disease in which the body makes antibodies (immune proteins) that attack the thyroid gland.
Does Down syndrome affect weight?
Adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome tend to be shorter than their peers, and have a lower resting metabolic rate of 10-15% than the general population which further predisposes to weight gain.
What organs are affected by Down syndrome?
Individuals with Down syndrome also have an increased risk for having heart defects, digestive problems such as gastroesophageal reflux or celiac disease, and hearing loss. Some people who have Down syndrome have low activity of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) – an organ in the lower neck that produces hormones.
What parts of your body does Down Syndrome effect?
Children with Down syndrome have varying developmental delays and medical problems. They may have special medical problems of the heart, stomach, eyes, and other parts of the body. Many children have problems that involve the bones and joints. These musculoskeletal problems may affect movement and coordination, and may worsen later in life.
What body system does down Syndrom effect?
About 15 percent of people with Down syndrome have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the lower neck that produces hormones. Individuals with Down syndrome also have an increased risk of hearing and vision problems.
What body systems does Downs syndrome affect?
Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body. People with Down syndrome face physical and mental challenges, but can lead full and happy lives.