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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
What is Down syndrome? - Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21 because it's caused by a mutation of the chromosome 21.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Chromosome 21 - Instead of two chromosomes, the mutation results in a third copy of chromosome 21 being created.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Mutation - Therefore, people with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome, totaling 47 instead of 46.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Hereditary? - The syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs during the gestation period, but according to the National Down Syndrome Society, about 1% of cases are hereditary.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Parents - The aforementioned study indicates that there is no scientific evidence that environmental factors or activities performed by the parents, before or during gestation, can cause the syndrome.
© iStock
5 / 30 Fotos
Statistics - According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in every 700 babies in the United States are born with the syndrome.
© iStock
6 / 30 Fotos
Mother's age - The National Down Syndrome Society points out that women who become pregnant at an older age are more likely to have babies with Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Features - A child born with Down syndrome has some particular physical features.
© iStock
8 / 30 Fotos
Cognitive influence - The syndrome can cause some cognitive changes or difficulties, but it's not a mental disability, as some people think.
© iStock
9 / 30 Fotos
Communication - Some children who are born with the syndrome have difficulties in learning, speaking, or staying focused on a single activity, for example.
© iStock
10 / 30 Fotos
Movement - Motor issues may also appear, including a greater difficulty in walking or sitting, caused by muscle weakness.
© iStock
11 / 30 Fotos
Vision - Children with the syndrome may be short-sighted or long-sighted, and suffer from strabismus.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Heart - People with Down syndrome may develop cardiovascular diseases, so medical checkups are very important.
© iStock
13 / 30 Fotos
Breathing - Respiratory complications may also affect those with Down syndrome.
© iStock
14 / 30 Fotos
Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of Down syndrome is not only done from the identification of physical characteristics after birth, but also through exams recommended by a pediatrician, often during pregnancy.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Ultrasound - An ultrasound is a simple exam that can give clues on whether or not a fetus has Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Nuchal scan - Another exam also widely used in the diagnosis of the syndrome is the nuchal translucency, which measures the level of fluid accumulation in the fetus' nape.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Cordocentesis - A cordocentesis can also be performed. The exam consists of taking a blood sample of the fetal umbilical cord. This is normally performed after 18 or 20 weeks of gestation.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Amniocentesis - This exam looks at the fluids that surround and protect the baby during pregnancy, which may indicate any bad formations or changes in the chromosome.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Postnatal diagnosis - Even with very thorough prenatal care, the diagnosis can end up only happening after the baby is born, through a blood test.
© iStock
20 / 30 Fotos
Mosaic Down syndrome - The syndrome may manifest differently and only affect part of the child's cells. This is called mosaic Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Chromosomal translocation
- This is when the number of chromosomes doesn't change, but a piece of chromosome 21 becomes attached to another chromosome, giving the child the characteristics of Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Care - There are many ways to help improve the quality of life of those with Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Physical activity - Physiotherapy sessions with the help of a specialist are recommended for treating muscle weakness and motor difficulties.
© iStock
24 / 30 Fotos
Speech therapy - Speech therapy sessions help in the development of speech and communication in general.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding can also help develop speech as it aids in strengthening facial muscles and breathing.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Support - Specialized support for psycho-motor stimulation helps the child to learn and to be more attentive.
© iStock
27 / 30 Fotos
Development - A child who is born with Down syndrome has every possibility to develop and live a regular life.
© iStock
28 / 30 Fotos
Down syndrome
- Down syndrome does not affect people based on ethnicity, social or economic status, and can happen in any family, anywhere in the world. It's important to remember that no human being is the same. We are all different, and that's what makes us special. Source: (National Down Syndrome Society)
See also: Stars who suffer from rare diseases
© iStock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
What is Down syndrome? - Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21 because it's caused by a mutation of the chromosome 21.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Chromosome 21 - Instead of two chromosomes, the mutation results in a third copy of chromosome 21 being created.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Mutation - Therefore, people with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome, totaling 47 instead of 46.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Hereditary? - The syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs during the gestation period, but according to the National Down Syndrome Society, about 1% of cases are hereditary.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Parents - The aforementioned study indicates that there is no scientific evidence that environmental factors or activities performed by the parents, before or during gestation, can cause the syndrome.
© iStock
5 / 30 Fotos
Statistics - According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in every 700 babies in the United States are born with the syndrome.
© iStock
6 / 30 Fotos
Mother's age - The National Down Syndrome Society points out that women who become pregnant at an older age are more likely to have babies with Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Features - A child born with Down syndrome has some particular physical features.
© iStock
8 / 30 Fotos
Cognitive influence - The syndrome can cause some cognitive changes or difficulties, but it's not a mental disability, as some people think.
© iStock
9 / 30 Fotos
Communication - Some children who are born with the syndrome have difficulties in learning, speaking, or staying focused on a single activity, for example.
© iStock
10 / 30 Fotos
Movement - Motor issues may also appear, including a greater difficulty in walking or sitting, caused by muscle weakness.
© iStock
11 / 30 Fotos
Vision - Children with the syndrome may be short-sighted or long-sighted, and suffer from strabismus.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Heart - People with Down syndrome may develop cardiovascular diseases, so medical checkups are very important.
© iStock
13 / 30 Fotos
Breathing - Respiratory complications may also affect those with Down syndrome.
© iStock
14 / 30 Fotos
Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of Down syndrome is not only done from the identification of physical characteristics after birth, but also through exams recommended by a pediatrician, often during pregnancy.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Ultrasound - An ultrasound is a simple exam that can give clues on whether or not a fetus has Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Nuchal scan - Another exam also widely used in the diagnosis of the syndrome is the nuchal translucency, which measures the level of fluid accumulation in the fetus' nape.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Cordocentesis - A cordocentesis can also be performed. The exam consists of taking a blood sample of the fetal umbilical cord. This is normally performed after 18 or 20 weeks of gestation.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Exam: Amniocentesis - This exam looks at the fluids that surround and protect the baby during pregnancy, which may indicate any bad formations or changes in the chromosome.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Postnatal diagnosis - Even with very thorough prenatal care, the diagnosis can end up only happening after the baby is born, through a blood test.
© iStock
20 / 30 Fotos
Mosaic Down syndrome - The syndrome may manifest differently and only affect part of the child's cells. This is called mosaic Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Chromosomal translocation
- This is when the number of chromosomes doesn't change, but a piece of chromosome 21 becomes attached to another chromosome, giving the child the characteristics of Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Care - There are many ways to help improve the quality of life of those with Down syndrome.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Physical activity - Physiotherapy sessions with the help of a specialist are recommended for treating muscle weakness and motor difficulties.
© iStock
24 / 30 Fotos
Speech therapy - Speech therapy sessions help in the development of speech and communication in general.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding can also help develop speech as it aids in strengthening facial muscles and breathing.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Support - Specialized support for psycho-motor stimulation helps the child to learn and to be more attentive.
© iStock
27 / 30 Fotos
Development - A child who is born with Down syndrome has every possibility to develop and live a regular life.
© iStock
28 / 30 Fotos
Down syndrome
- Down syndrome does not affect people based on ethnicity, social or economic status, and can happen in any family, anywhere in the world. It's important to remember that no human being is the same. We are all different, and that's what makes us special. Source: (National Down Syndrome Society)
See also: Stars who suffer from rare diseases
© iStock
29 / 30 Fotos
Everything you should know about Down syndrome
Learn more about this genetic disorder that affects so many people all over the world
© Shutterstock
What causes a child to be born with Down syndrome? What kind of care is needed for the child's social development and integration? Is Down syndrome more common in certain ethnic or religious groups? Is it a type of mental disability?
Often the absence of answers to simple questions like these causes people to be prejudiced and underestimate the ability of those born with Down syndrome. Here is all you need to know about it—take a look.
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