Down's disease is the name of the disease that is familiar to everyone, but few people really know what its peculiarity is and what people suffer from it. The symptoms of the disease were first described in 1866 by the English scientist John Langdon Down. In fact, the syndrome was named in his honor, although the researcher himself referred to the defect he identified as "Mongolism." Down perceived deviation as a form of mental disorder. Recent studies in this area have revealed not only external similarities and developmental difficulties, but also the presence of a defective gene in DNA. Thus, from the category of mental abnormalities, Down's syndrome went into the pathology section.
Down disease, causes
All women can give birth to a child with this syndrome, without exception, regardless of age, social background or race. A genetic defect arises as a result of chromosome separation during gamete formation, as a result of which an extra third chromosome appears in the 21st pair. In a small percentage suffering from this deviation, instead of a whole extra chromosome, only its individual fragments can be present.
According to WHO statistics, out of 800 born children worldwide, there is one with Down syndrome. The older the woman and man, the greater their risk of having an inferior child. The age of the maternal grandmother also has an effect. The later she gave birth to her daughter, the more chances she has to conceive a child with this syndrome.
Thanks to the possibilities of medicine, today it is possible to identify developmental problems in early pregnancy. According to statistics, 9 out of 10 women agree to abortion in case of abnormalities in the development of the fetus. Even more sad statistics on children born. In Russia, in 80% of cases, such newborns are abandoned right in the hospital. In the Scandinavian countries, there has not been a single official rejection of such children. US citizens adopt strangers abandoned children, raising them and giving a chance for a normal future.
Down Disease Symptoms
External abnormalities are expressed in the so-called flat face and nape, the skull is abnormally shortened and as if flattened, the presence of an epicanthus (skin fold near the eyes), short limbs, including the neck. Down's disease also affects the weakness of the muscles of the mouth, as a result of which it is in the open state. Very often the sky itself is changed, dental abnormalities occur. In 66% of cases, patients in the eighth year of life show cataracts.
The immunity of such people is weakened, they are prone to frequent diseases, which are very difficult. Because of this, in the past, most patients died in infancy. Today, Down's disease is taken under control, people are able to live up to 55 years or more.
The developmental delay is different for each person born with this syndrome, some begin to walk at the age of two years, others much later. With proper medical care, any born child is able to grow into a full member of society. If he is lucky with his parents, who will not only abandon him, but will make every possible effort to educate him, then a baby born with an extra chromosome will not only be a happy person, a socially active individual, but he will also be able to create his own family.