down syndrome definition

About one-half of children with Down syndrome have heart defects, most often holes between the two sides of the heart (septal defects). People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. However, due to higher birth rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. Wright, D. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. (Ed.) The cause of the extra full or partial chromosome is still unknown. By examining the karyotype, doctors can diagnose Down syndrome. For most people with Down syndrome, this anomaly causes a host of distinctive physical characteristics as well as potential health and medical problems. Telephone: 800-221-4602 (Monday-Friday, 9AM ET- 5PM ET) The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends offering the option of screening tests and diagnostic tests for Down syndrome to all pregnant women, regardless of age. Those cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. We believe that people with Down syndrome should be included in the work of organisations at all levels, so are looking for new ways to make this more accessible. Now you know that Down syndrome is caused by a … MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It occurs most frequently in children born to mothers over age 35. In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. The degree of intellectual disability varies from mild to moderate. Down syndrome is something a person is born with it. Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, and weak muscle tone (hypotonia) in infancy. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Since many couples are postponing parenting until later in life, the incidence of Down syndrome conceptions is expected to increase. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in an extra copy of chromosome 21. These tests are not invasive (like the diagnostic tests below), but they provide a high accuracy rate. The age of the mother does not seem to be linked to the risk of translocation. Dr. Jerome Lejeune discovered Down syndrome is a genetic disorder whereby a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. The average IQ of a young adult with Down syndrome is 50, equivalent to the mental ability of an 8- or 9-year-old child, but this can vary widely. home/medterms medical dictionary a-z list / down syndrome definition. Approximately 5% of the cases have been traced to the father. The cause of the extra full or partial chromosome is still unknown. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder and the most common autosomal chromosome abnormality in humans, where extra genetic material from chromosome 21 is transferred to a newly formed embryo. This means difficulty when performing tasks within the accepted parameters specified by a standardized reference. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which there is an extra full or partial chromosome 21. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It was first described in 1866 by Dr. John L. H. Down (1828–1896), an English physician. Though not all people with Down syndrome have the same features, some of the more common features include: 1. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It was this scholarly work, published in 1866, that earned Down the recognition as the “father” of the syndrome. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. The degree of intellectual disability varies from mild to moderate. Down syndrome, also called Down’s syndrome, trisomy 21, or (formerly) mongolism, congenital disorder caused by the presence in the human genome of extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Down Syndrome Definition. It occurs because of the presence of an extra chromosome. Fax: 646-870-9320 Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Down's syndrome affects a baby's normal physical development and causes mild to moderate learning difficulties. What Is the Likelihood of Having a Second Child with Down Syndrome? All affected individuals experience cognitive delays, but the intellectual disability is usually mild to moderate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, though older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations, such as school, health care systems, work forces, and social and recreational activities. The diagnostic procedures available for prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome are chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. Small head 3. Down syndrome causes mental retardation, a characteristic facial appearance, and multiple malformations. A 35 year old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome, and this chance increases gradually to 1 in 100 by age 40. The blood tests (or serum screening tests) measure quantities of various substances in the blood of the mother. Protruding tongue 5. Short neck 4. M… Down syndrome is a genetic disorder and the most common autosomal chromosome abnormality in humans, where extra genetic material from chromosome 21 is transferred to a newly formed embryo. 1. These extra genes and DNA cause changes in the development of the embryo and fetus resulting in physical and mental abnormalities. They photograph the chromosomes and then group them by size, number, and shape. Down Syndrome: The First 18 Months. COVID-19: What you need to know. Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it. Most are mildly to moderately retarded, although some have IQs in the low'normal range. It may be mild or severe. Every person with Down syndrome has an extra amount of this chromosome in some or all of their cells. Email: [email protected], Headquarters It's one of the most common genetic birth defects (a birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is still growing inside their mother). 8th Floor Still, many physicians are not fully informed about advising their patients about the incidences of Down syndrome, advancements in diagnosis, and the protocols for care and treatment of babies born with Down syndrome. Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents’ Guide (Third Edition). Skallerup, S. Most cases are sporadic – chance – events. Historically, it was one of the first known chromosomal causes of mental retardation and developmental disability. Down syndrome is caused in birth development, each person has 23 pairs of chromosomes, which makes each person to have 46 chromosomes. The additional partial or full copy of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome can originate from either the father or the mother. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. 1. It wasn’t until the late nineteenth century, however, that John Langdon Down, an English physician, published an accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. See additional information. In recent history, advances in medicine and science have enabled researchers to investigate the characteristics of people with Down syndrome. It is usually associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features. Down syndrome can affect a person’s cognitive ability and physical growth, cause mild to moderate developmental issues, and present a higher risk of some health problems. Most screening tests involve a blood test and an ultrasound (sonogram). The presence of the extra full or partial chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down syndrome. About 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year. Chromosomes contain hundreds, or even thousands, of genes. In the year 2000, an international team of scientists successfully identified and catalogued each of the approximately 329 genes on chromosome 21. An “apostrophe s” connotes ownership or possession. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. 2. These extra genes and DNA cause changes in the development of the embryo and fetus resulting in physical and mental abnormalities. With Down syndrome, the extra chromosome causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically.The physical features and medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widel… This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. For most people with Down syndrome, this anomaly causes a host of distinctive physical characteristics as well as potential health and medical problems. However, in about one-third of cases, one parent is a carrier of a translocated chromosome. A birth defect that allows a person to have eyes that look swollen, fingers that are a little meatier than usual, and they might have difficulties learning. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of mental retardation and malformation in a newborn. Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called “nondisjunction.” Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Some people are healthy while others have significant health problems such as serious heart defects.Children and adults with Down syndrome have distinct facial features. 2 This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome may also be born with various health concerns such as heart defects or digestive abnormalities, as … People with Down syndrome may also be born with various health concerns such as heart defects or digestive abnormalities, as … Now, with recent advancements in clinical treatment, most particularly corrective heart surgeries, as many as 80% of adults with Down syndrome reach age 60, and many live even longer. NDSS strongly condemns the use of the word “retarded” in any derogatory context. Mosaicism (or mosaic Down syndrome) is diagnosed when there is a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and some containing 47. Down syndrome is a chromosome disorder associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, with small nose and an upward slant to the eyes, and low muscle tone in infancy. People “have” Down syndrome, they do not “suffer from” it and are not “afflicted by” it. These downloadable versions of the Preferred Language Guide are available to print and distribute: My inspirational greeting card company name shares my mission – ‘Inspires 2 Aspire’.  As a DS-AMBASSADOR®, I hope my life inspires others to aspire to be the very best they can be.  Working for the Cleveland Browns in Guest Services at home games, I am given the opportunity to show others my abilities, not a disability. Therefore, genetic counseling for parents is becoming increasingly important. Down syndrome (sometimes called Down’s syndrome) is a condition in which a child is born with an extra copy of their 21st chromosome — … The effects range from mild to moderate. Chromosomes are … Down syndrome is a genetic condition whereby an individual has a surplus of DNA material. These blood tests are often performed in conjunction with a detailed sonogram to check for “markers” (characteristics that some researchers feel may have a significant association with Down syndrome). Down syndrome causes a mental handicap. … Each person with Down syndrome is an individual — intellectual and developmental problems may be mild, moderate or severe. Down syndrome occurs because of changes in the way cells in chromosome 21 divide. 8 E 41st Street Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”. At age 45 the incidence becomes approximately 1 in 30. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder characterized by recognizable facial features, multiple malformations, and mental impairment. No one gets Down syndrome later in life. Symptoms can vary greatly from one case to another. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2008), Downs: The History of a Disability. Maternal age is the only factor that has been linked to an increased chance of having a baby with Down syndrome resulting from nondisjunction or mosaicism. It is a lifelong condition that develops when a baby is still in the womb (uterus). A birth defect that allows a person to have eyes that look swollen, fingers that are a little meatier than usual, and they might have difficulties learning. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome. (2011), Tales of Normansfield: The Langdon Down Legacy. The AP Stylebook recommends using “Down syndrome,” as well. To obtain a karyotype, doctors draw a blood sample to examine the baby’s cells. Down syndrome or Down's syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Terms of Use. It occurs because of the presence of an extra chromosome. This means difficulty when performing tasks within the accepted parameters specified by a standardized reference. Genetic counseling can determine the origin of translocation. It was later determined that an extra partial or whole copy of chromosome 21 results in the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. (2010). But these tests can't tell for sure or diagnose whether the baby has Down syndrome. These procedures, which carry up to a 1% risk of causing a spontaneous termination (miscarriage), are nearly 100% accurate in diagnosing Down syndrome. Still, all of these screens will not definitively diagnose Down syndrome. A Parent’s Guide to Down Syndrome: Toward A Brighter Future. It occurs in one in 700 - 900 live births and results when the fetus ends up with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. Read more. Down syndrome isn’t the same across the … Down syndrome was also once called mongolism, a term now considered out of date, as the disorder has no relationship to Mongolian or Asian heritage. Pueschel, S. (2000). This accomplishment opened the door to great advances in Down syndrome research. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. (2007), The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome. More and more Americans are interacting with individuals with Down syndrome, increasing the need for widespread public education and acceptance. Down syndrome is caused in birth development, each person has 23 pairs of chromosomes, which makes each person to have 46 chromosomes. Dr. Jerome Lejeune discovered Down syndrome is a genetic disorder whereby a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. Another genetic test called FISH can apply similar principles and confirm a diagnosis in a shorter amount of time. Treatment for Down syndrome includes early intervention to develop the mental and physical capacities to their utmost, speech therapy, and surgery, as needed, to repair malformations. It was first described in 1866 by Dr. John L. H. Down (1828 – 1896), an English physician.. Down syndrome occurs about once in every 800 births. Down syndrome is a chromosome disorder associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, with small nose and an upward slant to the eyes, and low muscle tone in infancy. However, in one-third of cases of Down syndrome resulting from translocation there is a hereditary component – accounting for about 1% of all cases of Down syndrome. People who have Down syndrome also struggle with intellectual and developmental disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation, the term was eliminated because it had become pejorative). Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Research has indicated that individuals with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome than those with other types of Down syndrome. These tests do not tell you for sure whether your fetus has Down syndrome; they only provide a probability. Blueberry Shoes Productions. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes mild to serious physical and developmental problems. The age of the mother does not seem to be linked to the risk of translocation. With the discovery of antibiotics, the average survival age increased to 19 or 20. Definition of Down syndrome : a congenital condition characterized especially by developmental delays, usually mild to moderate impairment in cognitive functioning, short stature, upward slanting eyes, a flattened nasal bridge, broad hands with short fingers, decreased muscle tone, and by trisomy of the human chromosome numbered 21 Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which there is an extra full or partial chromosome 21. Down syndrome and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Help NDSS raise up to 60K without even reaching into your wallet! Because these features may be present in babies without Down syndrome, a chromosomal analysis called a karyotype is done to confirm the diagnosis. Down syndrome A congenital disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. Translocation Down syndrome: This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down syndrome (about 3%). Down syndrome causes mental retardation, a characteristic facial appearance, and multiple malformations. Families taking action for inclusion - Virtual summit. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. The effects range from mild to moderate. Down syndrome is something a person is born with it. Down syndrome (DS), also called Trisomy 21, is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. Prenatal screening and diagnostic tests are now routinely offered to women of all ages. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. In 1910, children with Down syndrome were expected to survive to age nine. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, or part of it. We believe that people with Down syndrome should be included in the work of organisations at all levels, so are looking for new ways to make this more accessible. For centuries, people with Down syndrome have been alluded to in art, literature and science. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. There are two categories of tests for Down syndrome that can be performed before a baby is born: screening tests and diagnostic tests. People who have Down syndrome also struggle with intellectual and developmental disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation, the term was eliminated because it had become pejorative). With appropriate intervention, most children with Down syndrome live active, productive lives into at least middle age. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm – although each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all. McGuire, D. and Chicoine, B. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. 1. It can occur in any racial or ethnic group. Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction. NDSS uses the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than Down’s syndrome. Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays that are mild to moderate. New York, NY 10017, National Advocacy and Public Policy Center, Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/downsyndrome.html. Regardless of the type of Down syndrome a person may have, all people with Down syndrome have an extra, critical portion of chromosome 21 present in all or some of their cells. It is associated with a major risk for heart problems, a lesser risk of duodenal atresia (partially undeveloped intestines), and a minor but significant risk of acute leukemia. Down syndrome: A common birth defect that is usually due to an extra chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). Flattened face 2. Due to advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. Genes carry the information that determines your traits (features or characteristics passed on to you from your parents). Down syndrome is named after the English doctor, John Langdon Down, who was the first to categorize the common features of people with the condition. By definition, Down syndrome is a genetic condition whereby an individual has a surplus of DNA material, says Mary Pipan, MD, a behavioral pediatrician and director of … Down syndrome also affects a person’s ability to think, reason, understand, and be social. Merriman, A. Beccles, UK: The Down’s Syndrome Association. While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the United States is Down syndrome. Although other people had previously recognized the characteristics of the syndrome, it was Down who described the condition as a distinct and separate entity. People with mosaic Down syndrome have a mixture of cells. In 1959, the French physician Jérôme Lejeune identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal condition. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Down syndrome can affect a person’s cognitive ability and physical growth, cause mild to moderate developmental issues, and present a higher risk of some health problems. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing. Amniocentesis is usually performed in the second trimester between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, CVS in the first trimester between 9 and 14 weeks. New advanced prenatal screens are now able to detect chromosomal material from the fetus that is circulating in the maternal blood. Down syndrome is named after the English doctor, John Langdon Down, who was the first to categorize the common features of people with the condition. “Typically developing” or “typical” is preferred over “normal.”. Down syndrome is usually identified at birth by the presence of certain physical traits: low muscle tone, a single deep crease across the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened facial profile and an upward slant to the eyes. People with Down syndrome have mild to moderate mental retardation, short stature, and a flattened facial profile. There is no definitive scientific research that indicates that Down syndrome is caused by environmental factors or the parents’ activities before or during pregnancy. In the most common type of Down syndrome, trisomy 21, the condition occurs randomly and isn’t inherited. International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association, Medline Plus: Health Topics – Down Syndrome. Screening tests can indicate the likelihood or chances that a mother is carrying a baby with Down syndrome. Definition. However, broad generalizations are not possible due to the wide range of abilities people with Down syndrome possess. Together with a woman’s age, these are used to estimate her chance of having a child with Down syndrome. The affected individual may inherit an extra part of chromosome 21 or an entire extra copy of chromosome 21, a condition known as trisomy 21. Definition Down syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of mental retardation and malformation in a newborn. Down syndrome also affects a person’s ability to think, reason, understand, and be social. 2. All 3 types of Down syndrome are genetic conditions (relating to the genes), but only 1% of all cases of Down syndrome have a hereditary component (passed from parent to child through the genes). Make your voice heard at Inclusion International’s Virtual Summit for Families on December 8, 2020. 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