Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Genetic Disorders > Down Syndrome (4)
Down syndrome (also Down's syndrome) or trisomy 21 or I R GOT DOWNS NOW LOL is a genetic condition resulting from the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Down syndrome is characterized by a combination of major and minor abnormalities of body structure and function. Among features present in nearly all cases are impairment of learning and physical growth, and a recognizable facial appearance usually identified at birth. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who first described it in 1866.
Children with Down syndrome have lower than average cognitive ability, normally ranging from mild to moderate retardation. The common physical features of Down syndrome also appear in people with a standard set of chromosomes. They include simian crease (a single crease across one or both palms), almond shaped eyes, shorter limbs, speech impairment, and enlarged tongue. In addition, health concerns for children with Down syndrome include a higher risk for congenital heart defects, gastroesophageal reflux disease, recurrent ear infections, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid disfunctions.
Early childhood intervention, screening for common problems, such as thyroid functioning, medical treatment where indicated, a conducive family environment, vocational training, etc., can improve the overall development of children with Down syndrome. Experience with children with Down syndrome shows that while some genetic limitations cannot be overcome, education and proper care can produce excellent progress whatever the starting point. The commitment of parents, teachers, and therapists to individual children has produced previously unexpected positive results.
More on [ Down syndrome ]
Chromosomal :: Neurological Disorders
Causes :: Mental Retardation
Special Education :: Education
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Share Genetic Roots
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A trio of genome-wide studies -- collectively the largest to date -- have pinpointed a vast array of genetic variation that cumulatively may account for at least one third of the genetic risk for schizophrenia. One of the studies traced schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, in part, to the same chromosomal neighborhoods.
Imaging Technique Allows Researchers to Monitor Protein Changes in Mouse Tumors
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Dynasty: Influenza Virus in 1918 and Today
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The influenza virus that wreaked worldwide havoc in 1918-1919 founded a viral dynasty that persists to this day, according to scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In an article published online on June 29 by the New England Journal of Medicine, authors Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Jeffery K. Taubenberger, M.D., Ph.D., and David M. Morens, M.D., argue that we have lived in an influenza pandemic era since 1918, and they describe how the novel 2009 H1N1 virus now circling the globe is yet another manifestation of this enduring viral family.
CNN.com - Health
Police: Hospital worker swiped shots, spread hep C
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A former hospital employee may have exposed hundreds or thousands of surgical patients to hepatitis C when she replaced clean needles filled with the powerful painkiller fentanyl with her own dirty needles filled with saline solution.
Health.com picks top beach, lake getaways
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We know your summer vacation time is precious: You want to land where you can truly relax, breathe fresh air, get in some exercise and eat well -- without breaking the bank. That's why we teamed up with a panel of travel and health experts to help us find the healthiest of the nation's most popular beach and lake towns.
Articles on Communication - How parents can teach their children with Down Syndrome to talk and communicate effectively.
Down Syndrome - A listing of organizations worldwide, support groups, and toy catalogs for children of special needs.
Down Syndrome - A family site providing links and information on specific treatments and general therapies, with movies of their affected child.
Meta Description: [ Down Syndrome Information on Treatments and improving the lives of those with Down Syndrome - Links to all pages in our Down Syndrome section of www.cdadc.com ]
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) - Explains the cardiac and non-cardiac complications, as well as outlining treatment options and prognosis. From the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Meta Description: [ Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides information about Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and its characteristics, problems, signs, treatment, prognosis information and pediatric specialists. ]
Down Syndrome Information Network - Includes a online library of books and articles.
Meta Description: [ Down Syndrome Online offers a comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date range of information, resources and services for families, practitioners and researchers caring for, supporting and investigating Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Online is published by The Down Syndrome Educational Trust, a leading... ]
Down Syndrome: For New Parents - Dedicated to providing parents with information about Down syndrome.
Meta Description: [ A site dedicated to helping new parents understand Down Syndrome and to appreciate the capabilities of their wonderful child ]
Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group (UK) - Information for healthcare professionals, including UK-specific growth charts, guidelines, and medical information library.
eMedicine Health: Down Syndrome - Provides an introduction to the disease and its characteristics, symptoms and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Down syndrome was first described in 1866. The cause of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) was discovered in 1959. Down syndrome is relatively well known, with distinctive characteristics such as mental ... ]
Epilepsy-Down Syndrome Foundation - Research into the dual diagnoses of Down syndrome and epilepsy. Emphasizes nutritional and non-medical interventions.
Growth Charts for Children with Down Syndrome - Charts included are for height, weight, and head circumferences. Printable.
Meta Description: [ Printable Growth Charts for Children with Down Syndrome. ]
Health Care for Adults With Down Syndrome - Recommendations on their specific health maintenance needs.
Meta Description: [ Adults who have Down syndrome can present diagnostic and treatment challenges. Patients with Down syndrome are more prone to certain health conditions, but may have difficulty expressing their symptoms and following treatment directions.
]
Health Issues in Down Syndrome - A collection of medical essays and abstracts for parents.
Meta Description: [ Medical essays and information about Down Syndrome for parents and professionals, by Len Leshin, M.D. ]
Mayo Clinic: Down's Syndrome - A description of the disease plus complications, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Down syndrome — Comprehensive overview covers causes, risk factors and diagnosis of this genetic disorder. ]
Mosaic Down Syndrome - Stories, message boards, and a FAQ.
Meta Description: [ A central location for Mosaic Down Syndrome information and family support. Read and share your personal
stories from family members throughout the world of children with MDS. ]
National Down Syndrome Cytogenetic Register (UK) - Information about an anonymous register allowing researchers to analyse possible causal factors. Includes interpretation of the results.
New Attitudes Enhance Care of Adults with Down Syndrome - A short MCW healthlink article by Dr. David Smith regarding successful health care management of people with Down syndrome.
Meta Description: [ In the past, adults with Down syndrome tended to be segregated from society, friends and family. Today, national and local groups work to foster inclusion. Dr. David Smith says this meaningful involvement improves the prospects for successful health care management. ]
The PREP Program - A school and resource centre. Includes descriptions of what they do with toddlers, school-aged children, and teens. Also included are their fees.
Meta Description: [ The PREP Program - A School and Resource Center for individuals with Down Sydrome, their families and educators. Located in Calgary, Alberta, established in 1988, it provides Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy services to individuals with Down Syndrome, as well as pr... ]
Riverbend Down Syndrome Parent Support Group RSS Feed Link - Riverbend Down Syndrome Parent Support Group Web Site
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