Are There Cures For Down Syndrome? By Kate Allen

For every disease, we expect to find a corresponding cure and treatment. However, even with the advantage of advanced technology, cure is still not available for many diseases. The cures for Down syndrome are an example of that. Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21 is a disorder of the chromosome which is caused by the existence of an extra 21st chromosome. This syndrome is named after John Langdon Down who first described this condition back in 1866. In this syndrome, there are abnormalities in the physical and mental structures of a person. A Down syndrome baby or child will look different than a normal kid. Most people who have Down syndrome share the same physical traits:

-They usually have upward slanting eyes.
-The shape of their face is usually rounded.
-Their noses are small and flat
-They have shorter limbs.
-The gap between their big and second toe are usually big.
-They have small mouth with protruding tongue.

The mental developments of these people are also slow, making them susceptible to learning disabilities. They are also at risk of more serious diseases such as congenital heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic ear infections, sleep apnea and thyroid dysfunctions (which can cause obesity for people with Down syndrome). The reason why there is an abnormality of Chromosome # 21 is still unknown. This is why parents are advised to go for genetic counseling first before deciding to have a baby so that they can reduce the risk of having a Down syndrome baby. Cures for Down syndrome are not found yet.

The only thing we can do to help these people is to reduce the possibility of further complications in their body and to give them the love and support that they deserve. We can help their mental, emotional and social development. In the mental aspect, herbal remedies might help. Studies were conducted and there were positive results in the cognitive performance of children with Down syndrome when they use herbs such as Bacopa Monnieri, Mandukparni, Shankhpushpi, Vacha, Jyotishmati and other Indian herbs. The herbs Tulsi, and Asparagus racemosus can also help in warding off infectious diseases.

A person who has Down syndrome is more prone to viral illnesses. Amalaki is also used to reduce the risk of congenital heart disease. Tapyadi-Loh and Kaishor-Guggulu, on the other hand, can help correct their hearing and vision problems. You can also reduce the erratic behavioral changes of a person with Down syndrome by using a product called MindSoothe. MindSoothe is another herbal remedy that can help balance the mood of a person and can promote happy and peaceful feelings. To help the behavioral symptoms of a person with Down syndrome, this is the right product for them.

It contains the essential herbs St. John's Wort and Passion Flower, which are both beneficial in balancing behavior and soothing nerves and promoting equilibrium in the over all mental condition of a person with Down syndrome. These herbs, although not the cures for Down syndrome, can help in preventing further complications from developing. No matter how minute the help is, the important thing is we are able to help them. In this way, you can reach out to them and let them know that they deserve to live a normal and happy life.

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Down Syndrome is Not a Death Sentence By Nikki Spencer

Your baby has just been diagnosed in utero with having Down syndrome, and you are scared. Scared because everything you remember about Down syndrome as a kid wasn't pretty. Scared because of what your Doctor or Geneticist is telling you. Scared because of all you've read online, most of it negative, bad, and fatalistic.

Much of what is on the web today is outdated and inaccurate. Let's start dispelling these falsehoods right away.

"People with Down syndrome suffer." Nothing could be further from the truth. People with Down syndrome don't feel pain any more than anyone else. They have the same capacity as anyone to be happy; perhaps even more so. They generally have a high self-esteem, they achieve to the best of their ability; they are educable. They love and are loved. They go to college, work meaningful jobs, drive cars, marry, entertain, and teach us. They do not suffer.

"A person with Down syndrome won't walk, talk, or read." Again, not true. Some may have more difficulty than others with these skills, but the vast majority does these things and does them well.

"Down syndrome is a dreadful disorder." Total speculation and absolute opinion. Most parents of a child with Down syndrome would disagree wholeheartedly.

"Down syndrome people are stupid and stop learning around 5th grade." People with Down syndrome are not stupid. They are intellectually disabled, or mentally retarded. "Retarded" is defined as "slow or to go slowly". It may take longer for them to learn something, but learn they do. Some people with Down syndrome may find certain concepts difficult to grasp. Learning is a lifelong process. Many people with Down syndrome go to college. Could a 5th grader do that?

It is true that people with Down syndrome have more challenges concerning health and life skills, but this does not mean their lives are not pleasant and not worth living. Some Down syndrome symptoms to be aware of include congenital heart defects (usually repairable through surgery), congenital gastro-intestinal defects (also surgically repairable), hypotonia or low-muscle tone, speech difficulties, thyroid issues, dental problems, and musculoskeletal problems.

It's important to note that while there are many symptoms of Down syndrome, one person doesn't exhibit all of the symptoms. One child may have a heart defect, have hypotonia, and need shoe orthotics for foot support. Another child may be born with Hirschsprung's disease, need extra help with speech, and be delayed in walking until age four. Yet a third child may have perfect heart and bowels but need glasses and hearing aids. Every child is different.

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Everything About Down Syndrome By George Key

The people who suffer from Down syndrome have average to low cognitive abilities and the chances of Down syndrome are 1 to 1000 births. Also this ratio greatly depends upon the age of the mother and many other factors. many of the symptoms of down syndrome may also be found in normal people such as poor muscle growth, ear infections, obstructive sleep, thyroid dysfunctions etc. It is advised that as soon as this syndrome is detected in children they should be treated in a conducive family environment and vocational training should be provided to them for their development. All of the symptoms of Down syndrome can not be overcome but with proper care and education, the life of the people affected from syndrome can be greatly improved.

Characteristics of Down syndrome:

People suffering from Down syndrome may have some of the following physical characteristics:

o Oblique eye fissures

o Muscle hypotonia

o Flat nasal bridge

o Single plamar fold

o Short neck

o White spots on the iris

o Congenital heart defects

o Single Flexion furrow of the fifth finger

o Higher number of ilnar loop dermatoglyphs

Some mental characteristics include:

o Mental retardation

o Low IQ due to above factor

These are just some of symptoms of the Down syndrome. Their are many other symptoms of this dreadful disorder.

Health of people:

The people suffering from this syndrome can experience any organ or organ system failure at any time. This type of syndrome can result from many genetic disorders. This results in wide variety of symptoms and even wider variety of problems and complications in the individuals. Prior to birth it can be tested and found out that the individual which will develop will have Down syndrome while some symptoms are clearly visible after the birth like heart malfunctions others come to light in the later years.

A survey conducted in United States showed that the life acceptancy of such people is around 49 years up from 25 years in 1980.The life expectancy also depends on many factors like the social environment of the individual as well as the family environment. Fertility is drastically reduced with males suffering the worst. Only 3 instances of a male suffering from Down syndrome becoming a father have been recorded.

People who support such people advise that such people should be given special guidance as well as education as well as a home environment which is suitable and caring for them and then only thy develop their minds to live like a normal person. With special care and understanding the world can be made a better place to live in for individuals suffering from Down syndrome.

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Do You Know What Causes Down Syndrome? By Mike Selvon

Down syndrome children are a lot of work. Parents will need a team of doctors, including a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, a pediatrician and other specialists, like speech therapists. Babies with Down syndrome may have trouble learning to roll over, sit up, feed, walk or talk. However, the temperament of these children is often extremely loving, loyal and gentle, which is why some doctors say raising a child with Down syndrome can be a rewarding experience. What causes Down syndrome boils down to genetics, although there is no way to prevent it.

An error in cell division is what causes this chromosomal disorder, experts say. Typically, human cells have 46 chromosomes; half from the sperm and half from the egg. Occasionally, extra genetic material builds up on the 21st chromosome when cells divide improperly and chromosome 21 becomes a trio, rather than a standard pair. In fact, another name of Down syndrome is "Trisomy 21." The triple chromosome will then continue to replicate improperly in each growing cell.

Doctors found that what causes Down syndrome environmentally may be the parents' age. For example, a 25-year-old mother has a 1/3,000 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome. By age 35, her risk will have increased to 1/365 and by 45, it will be a 1/30 chance of having a baby with the genetic condition! The latest Down syndrome research suggests that older fathers are now responsible for the 50% rise in risk, when the mother is also over 40.

Even though the odds get worse as the parents age, 80% of these babies are born to women who are 35 or younger. However, that statistic can also be explained because younger women are having many more babies. Younger mothers who smoke and have a meiotic II error or who smoke and take oral contraceptives are at increased risk for having a Down child as well.

During pregnancy, there are several screening tests to examine what causes Down syndrome. Some people get blood tests like the quad screen, which reveals chromosomal disorders between the eleventh and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy. Doctors look for plasma protein-A and the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone.

This test is about 87% effective in making a Down syndrome diagnosis. Ultrasound is another method to check for abnormalities. While these tests may give parents peace of mind, they may also set off a false alarm. Even though 1/20 women test positive, most will go on to deliver healthy babies anyway.

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A Step Forward - Treadmill Training For Down Syndrome Infants By Travis Van Slooten

A study suggests that starting a Down syndrome infant on a treadmill for mere minutes a day can help them walk four to five months earlier as opposed to only receiving traditional physical therapy. Also, the study determined that an infant with Down syndrome may walk sooner if their treadmill walk is at a high intensity.

Infants that are typically developed learn to walk on their own at around 12 months, but Down syndrome infants have a significant delay. They usually walk on their own between 24 to 28 months.

Important to mental and physical growth, walking allows us to explore our environment. With infants, walking is critical because locomotive skills help them learn other skills such as social and motor skills and spatial cognition and perception.

The study had 30 infant participants. They were randomly assigned low intensity or high intensity treadmill training. The training was done at home with the infant's parents. During the study, the infants maintained their everyday physical treatment.

"Initially, all parents worked with their infants on the treadmill for eight minutes a day, five days a week. The parent sat on a bench that straddled the treadmill and held the infant as the child took steps on the treadmill," said Professor Dale Ulrich of the University of Michigan Division of Kinesiology and principal investigator on the treadmill training project.

The parents began their infant with low intensity training, but once the infant could take 10, 20 and 30 steps per minute, the intensity was increased for half of the infant participants. The high intensity participants experienced increased belt speed and duration time. Also light weights were added to the infant's ankles. The intensity level was specific to each child.

The study entitled, "The Effects of Intensity of Treadmill Training on Developmental Outcomes and Stepping in Infants with Down Syndrome" concluded that the infants that walked on the treadmill at higher intensity increased their stepping significantly. These participants also met most of the motor milestones at an earlier mean age.

These study results supported an earlier study on Down syndrome infants using a treadmill for walking advancement. With the study's results, there is hope that Down syndrome support organizations and hospitals may rent treadmills to parents who can't afford the equipment.

Down Syndrome - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder that causes severe learning disability in children. Children with Down syndrome have some distinctive features which include flattened facial features; a protruding tongue; a small head; upward slanting eyes; unusually shaped ears; broad, short, hands with relatively short fingers; and poor muscle tone causing excessive flexibility. Down syndrome is not inherited, but is caused by 3 types of genetic variations involving the 21st chromosome, which include the Trisomy 21, the Mosaic Down syndrome and the Translocation Down syndrome. Advancing maternal age and a family history are risk factors for this condition. Complications of this condition include heart defects, leukemia, a susceptibility to infectious diseases, dementia in later life, and other structural and functional problems in the body.

The Ayurvedic treatment of Down syndrome is aimed at improving physical and cognitive deficits, preventing complications and attempting to normalize life for the affected children, to the extent possible with medicines. Medicines like Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica) and Indrayav (Holarrhina antidysentrica) can be used to improve muscle tone and co-ordination. Massage of the entire body using medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil and Mahasaindhav oil is also very helpful.

To improve cognitive performance and prevent dementia, medicines used are: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus) and Kushmand (Benincasa hispida). In order to reduce susceptibility to infectious diseases, medicines used are: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Pippali, Yashtimadhuk, Abhrak-Bhasma, Laghu-Malini-Vasant, Madhu-Malini-Vasant and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant. Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Laxadi-Guggulu, Arjunarishta, Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna) and Amalaki can be used to reduce disability from heart defects. Medicines like Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Suvarna-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma can be used to prevent or treat leukemia. In order to improve or correct hearing loss and poor vision, medicines like Tapyadi-Loh, Kaishor-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Abhrak-Bhasma and Ekang-Veer-Ras can be used.

A judicious combination of Ayurvedic medicines can thus help to reduce physical and mental disability and dramatically increase the life span for people with Down syndrome. All such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of a team of physicians specializing in Down syndrome.

Children With Down Syndrome - Children With an Extra Copy of Chromosome 21 By Jared Wright

It is believed that around 5,000 of the babies born in the USA each year, have Down syndrome. The syndrome is named after Dr John Langdon Down who identified the syndrome in 1866. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all the cells of the body.

The reason why it happens is unknown and it can occur in any family. There is no proof that is affects a specific race or sex more than the others. Mothers over 40 have a greater chance of having a baby with Down syndrome than younger mothers. Having one baby with Down syndrome doesn't mean it will affect all babies born after that, but the risk becomes higher.

Children with Down syndrome have specific physical features such as a round face and small chin. Many also have vision problems and tend to wear glasses. Growth is normally slowed down and they seldom grow very tall. Almond shaped eyes and an oversized tongue are other typical features. Because of the oversized tongues, speech can sometimes be difficult.

Their cognitive abilities are usually lower than those of other children and a small number are severely mentally disabled. These children are more prone to heart diseases, ear infections and thyroid problems than other children. Treating this at a young age is necessary to prevent further illnesses later in their lives.

Caring for a child with Down syndrome has its own challenges but parents of these children often report the special bond that they have with their children and wouldn't want it any other way. These children are loving and caring by nature. Unless there are other mental problems, they usually enjoy the company of people and should be exposed to that.

Children with Down syndrome will benefit from early childhood therapy such as speech and physical therapy. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome, for many years, was around twenty to twenty five years. That has changed now and Down syndrome babies can, on average, have a life expectancy of fifty to sixty years.

These children can normally attend mainstream schools where extra assistance is available. They learn slower than other children, but many are educated enough to be able to have a regular job and a few even attend college.

These lovely children might have different and more challenges than many other children but with the appropriate care and love, can have full and happy lives.