The life expectancy of those with Down Syndrome, the most common genetic condition, is increasing, according to a report in the Science Times.
One in every 691 babies
born in the United States has Down Syndrome, according to the website of the National Down Syndrome Society.
The National Down Syndrome Society added that
each year 6,000 babies are born with the condition in the United States and about
40,000 of Americans have Down Syndrome.
Down Syndrome includes the presence of an extra chromosome 21, and is
characterized by mild to severe mental impairment, weak muscle tone, shorter
height and a flattened facial profile.
According to the doctors and experts, children
born with Down Syndrome suffer from a number of problems with their organs such
as hearing loss and eye cataracts. However, most of them do not experience this
kind of issue but do have cognitive delays from mild to moderate, and yet,
children with this condition have well-developed social skills.
Different advancements are being made to
help people with Down Syndrome and their families. Screening now happens during pregnancy,
which enables the mothers to identify before birth if they will have a child with the syndrome.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released
recommendations for doctors to help and provide the needs of children with this
condition which led to a higher detection rate and is vital to their overall
health.
The local media centers have created support
centers for children and families with Down Syndrome.
Our society has also changed the way individuals
with disabilities are treated overall. At the same time, medical technology
has been advanced, which paved the way in making the life expectancy of those
with Down Syndrome.
Thus, the life expectancy of those with Down Syndrome has significantly increased, ranging from the age of 25 to 60 as of today. This was due to early intervention that improves the condition of those children, says Debra Emerson, CEO of St. Madeleine Sophie's Center of El Cajon, California.
Jerry Wolffe is the writer in residence, advocate at large at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He can be reached at (586) 263-8950.
