What neurological problems do Down syndrome have?

Neurologic complications associated with Down syndrome include dystonia, epilepsy, psychiatric problems, cardiac defects, and auditory and visual defects. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetically inherited disorder in the general population, with a prevalence of 1 in 700 live births.

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What neurological disorders are associated with Down syndrome?

Epilepsy is more common in Down Syndrome, with presentation most likely in infancy, or in adults over 30 years of age. Infantile spasms, or West syndrome, present between 5 – 15 months of age. Generalised seizures may present in later childhood. In adults, onset of absence epilepsy may be an early sign of dementia.

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Is Down syndrome considered a neurological condition?

Down's syndrome has manifestations in many systems. The syndrome has many neurological complications, which include structural changes, mental retardation, young-onset Alzheimer's disease, strokes and basal ganglia damage.

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What is the most common abnormality in Down syndrome?

Some common physical features of Down syndrome include:
  • A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose.
  • Almond-shaped eyes that slant up.
  • A short neck.
  • Small ears.
  • A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth.
  • Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye.
  • Small hands and feet.

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Which problem is frequently associated with Down syndrome?

Potentially serious complications — The most serious complications of Down syndrome include heart defects, blood disorders that can include leukemia (cancer of the blood), and immune system problems. Heart defects — Approximately half of all babies with Down syndrome are born with (often repairable) heart defects.

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Neurological Issues in Down Syndrome and Aging

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What are three common health problems that people with Down syndrome may have?

Some of the common medical issues as outlined by the Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome include “congenital cardiac and gastrointestinal anomalies, autoimmune conditions, diverse leukemias, respiratory infections, sleep disorders, hearing and vision loss and early development of Alzheimer's-type dementia.”

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What are the behavioral issues of Down syndrome?

However, because of lack of research, behavior issues in children with Down syndrome are less understood. Behavioral challenges can hamper a child's ability to function independently, perform well in school or other social settings, and even handle everyday tasks, such as bathing and dressing, at home.

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Can people with Down syndrome have normal intelligence?

The average intelligence quotient (IQ) of children with DS is around 50, ranging between 30 and 70. Remarkably, a small number of patients have a profound degree of ID, whereas others have a mild degree despite the absence of any genetic, cultural or familial favoring or disfavoring causes.

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What is the mental age of Down syndrome people?

Those with Down syndrome nearly always have physical and intellectual disabilities. As adults, their mental abilities are typically similar to those of an 8- or 9-year-old. At the same time, their emotional and social awareness is very high.

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Is there a mild form of Down syndrome?

Down syndrome symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. No matter how severe the condition is, people with Down syndrome have a widely-recognized appearance. The head may be smaller than normal and abnormally shaped.

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What part of the brain is damaged with Down syndrome?

Postmortem studies in adults with DS have found several brain abnormalities, including reduced gross brain weight, a lower number and depth of cerebral sulci, enlarged ventricles and hypoplasia of several brain structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, frontal and temporal lobes.

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Do people with Down syndrome have brain damage?

Individuals with Down syndrome have signs of possible brain damage prior to birth. In addition to slowed and reduced mental development, they are much more likely to have cognitive deterioration and develop dementia at an earlier age than individuals without Down syndrome.

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Is there a spectrum with Down syndrome?

Similar to other populations (with or without a medical diagnosis), individuals with Down syndrome present a wide spectrum of physical, cognitive, and social characteristics and abilities.

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What is Downs syndrome personality?

Their personality characteristics vary, as well. Think of the different personality traits that typical people have and you have just as many traits that can occur in people with Down syndrome – they can be funny, sarcastic, indifferent, ambitious, laid back, high strung, loving… the list could go on forever.

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What are the challenging behaviors of Down syndrome adults?

Behavior changes in adults with Down syndrome have many potential causes. Some individuals have difficulty with the transition into adulthood as they face the loss of social networks, departure of older siblings, death of loved ones, changes in housing, and the challenge of obtaining meaningful work.

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What are adults with Down syndrome like?

People with Down's syndrome will have some level of learning disability. This means they'll have a range of abilities. Some people will be more independent and do things like get a job. Other people might need more regular care.

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What are the 4 types of Down syndrome?

There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), translocation and mosaicism.
  • Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of known cases of Down syndrome. ...
  • Translocation accounts for 4% of all cases of Down syndrome.

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What are the four common cognitive and behavioral problems of Down syndrome?

Poor judgment. Impulsive behavior. Slow learning. Delayed language and speech development.

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Is Down's syndrome classed as a disability?

Down's syndrome is a type of disability. People who have Down's syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. People with Down's syndrome may have more problems with their health too. is caused by an extra chromosome in your cells.

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Why are Down syndrome kids so stubborn?

Many students with down syndrome do not have the ability to express their fear or resistance to a new practice. Until they have the language to express their feelings, stubborn behavior will continue. When you run into resistance, try to help your student see the positive outcome of what you're asking him/her to do.

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Are Down syndrome people aggressive?

4,5 A Finnish study showed that, of a population of 129, only 9% had shown severe irritability, disturbing behaviour and physically attacked others, and 4% had been difficult to manage or even dangerous to others. 3 These aggressive behaviours were statisti- cally significant amongst male patients rather than females.

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Are Down syndrome people stubborn?

Children with Down syndrome are often described as "stubborn" and "obstinate." In fact, references to challenging behavior have historically been seen in the clinical literature and continue to exist today.

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What is the most common cause of death in Down syndrome?

Pulmonary infectious disease is the leading cause of mortality in Down syndrome, caused by both intrinsic (morphological factors) and extrinsic (immune dysfunction) factors. Listed in each organ cartoon are genes implicated in disturbed heart, lung and immune function.

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What is the life expectancy Down syndrome problems?

In 1900, the life expectancy of people with DS was 9 years. By 1984, the life expectancy had increased to 28 years. Since then, the life expectancy of people with DS has increased to about 60 years* (1-4).

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What are people with Down syndrome good at?

Some of the specific learning strengths that characterize many children with Down syndrome include: A distinct preference for visual learning. High capacity for empathy and social understanding. Strong visual short-term memory.

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