Children With Down Syndrome example essay topic

DOWN SYNDROME Down syndrome, also known as mongolism, is where a person is born with an extra chromosome on the 21st pair, which equals 47 chromosomes. The average person only has 46 chromosomes with 23 pairs. These extra chromosomes trigger a tremendous chain reaction. The extra chromosome, like all other chromosomes, contains genes.

These genes produce enzymes, which make metabolites that have nowhere to go, this is where we get the problem. Extra metabolites containing calcium clog up the tissues and blood vessels. They aggregate into larger quantities, causing calcification of the soft tissues, which is always a serious problem. This prevents growth, assimilation of nutrients, and prevents proper elimination of waste products. Now we have reached the end of the chain reaction which all started with one extra chromosome. The chances of a woman giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome increases with age.

A woman that is 25 years old has a 1 - 1,250 chance of having a child with Down syndrome. If you are 35 years of age the chances of have a child with this terrible disease increases to 1-378 children born and there is a 1- 30 chance of having a baby with this disease if you are at least 45 years old. An estimated 1 in 600 to 800 infants is born with Down syndrome. This is because a woman's eggs age, this means there is a greater inclination for the chromosomes to divide improperly. There are many complications that come with Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome have a distinct facial appearance. They usually have a small head, flat face, and upward slanting eyes. Infants born with Down syndrome may be of average size, but typically they grow slowly and remain small. The mortality rate is higher for children with this disease than with other children.

Almost half of the children with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects. They also may be at increased risk for development of a variety of problems, including gastrointestinal blockage, respiratory infections, thyroid problems, hearing loss, poor vision, heart problems, or leukemia. Many children with Down syndrome are happy, loving, and easygoing. However, some children develop behavior problems, such as anger, resistance to conformity and unwillingness to obey. One in three people with Down syndrome past the age of thirty-five has increasing senility similar to Alzheimer's disease. Average life expectancy for those with Down syndrome is 50, but that largely depends on the severity of health problems.

There is no medical cure for Down syndrome. Early detection and correction of heart defects or gastrointestinal problems often is possible. Many people with Down syndrome live with loving families, go to school, learn to read and write, and perform at various levels of jobs as adults. Most are able to live productive and fulfilling independent or semi - independent lives..