Some Important Information on Down Syndrome

The research about down syndrome was done by John Langdon Down and hence the name. He conducted his research in the year 1866 and discovered that this syndrome is caused by the presence of a single extra chromosome in the human body. It is also known as trisomy 21. This extra chromosome disrupts the entire structure of the mental and physical organs of the body.

The Down syndrome has been prominent from generations together and it was the most gruesome time where such affected people were ‘institutionalized’ for their entire life. The babies born with this syndrome were separated from the parents and were taken into government custody where the state acted as the guardian. It was a rule imposed as there was no cure to be found regarding this syndrome. Pleas and requests to get back the children and babies were rejected mercilessly. This practice was continued until a few years back.

These children were different in physical appearance. They had distinct physical inheritance like:

·         Slanted eyes to the upward direction

·         Rounded face

·         Small and flattened noses

·         Legs and arms which are comparatively shorter

·         Less muscle co-ordination and toning

·         Small mouth along with the tongue slightly sticking out

These physical features may however vary in the degree of intensity. With the advancement of science and technology, research has been conducted for the better understanding of this Down syndrome. The life of a person suffering from the Down syndrome is not easy. The family members also go through a lot of hardships in raising the child and giving it a normal growth environment. The size of the person is sometimes very short which makes them look dwarfish. There were social inhibitions about such people. There was a wrong conception that the child inherited these symptoms and features due to the mother giving birth at the later stages of her child-bearing time. However, research has proved this conception wrong but it is considered to be one of the constituting factors.

The care and medical follow ups may improve the state of development. There are also exclusive care centers, schools and other facilities for these disabled children. The Down syndrome has no medicines invented with science but Ayurvedic treatments and medicines can be used. Though these herbs can not completely cure the patient, they have the ability to decrease the intensity of the symptoms.

For this purpose, the awareness of this chromosomal disorder is spread among the masses and couples are asked to opt for gene counseling sessions before planning to have a baby. Pregnant ladies are asked to undergo scanning to check if the baby is in possession of the Down syndrome. If positive results are found, then the baby can be aborted if the parents wish to do so.