Children, adolescents and adults suffer from a mental and physical disorder known as Down syndrome. This disorder is due to an extra chromosome in their genes which is the leading cause. However, a specific chromosome can also be damaged during cell replication, which can also increase their risk of getting Down syndrome and other disorders later on in their life that could eventually lead to death if not treated at the right time. Also, if a mother gives birth at a higher age, it also increases the risk of their child having Down syndrome. Therefore, children with Down syndrome have an abnormality, but they are still able to function and be part of society.
Causes
Down Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome 21(“Down Syndrome”, …show more content…
The main factor that researchers have found is that the mother’s age plays a big role in whether or not her baby will have Down syndrome or not. They have concluded that women who are older in age have an increased risk of having a child with Down syndrome. “Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected by Down syndrome than women who become pregnant at a younger age”(“Facts about Down Syndrome,” n.d., p. 2). So, pregnant women who are 35 years or older have an increased risk of having a pregnancy affected by Down …show more content…
Some of the internal defects experienced are heart problems such as reduced flow of blood through the body, malformation of the gastrointestinal tract and they might have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, diabetes and seizure disorders due to aging (Down Syndrome, 2014, p.2). Other defects are obstruction of the upper part of the intestine where digestion takes place, ear infections, pneumonia; certain kidney disorders; thyroid disease; vision problems and increased risk for leukemia (Down Syndrome, 2000, p.2). Obstruction is a very detrimental defect because when digestion of food is interrupted especially in children it causes them to throw up which could result in trouble gaining weight. Also, developing leukemia is an increased risk as well and this could result in a lifespan of five years at max. Therefore, patients with Down syndrome have defects which eventually lead to other defects as they age which could potentially kill