What Causes Down Syndrome
Most mothers don't worry about what causes Down syndrome unless they are over 35, which is said to be the risk factor age. Down syndrome, a major cause of mental retardation, occurs in 1 out of every 800 births (5,000/year) and is the most common genetic condition. After many years of scientific research, what causes this syndrome can only be traced to one clear link: maternal and paternal age.
An error in cell division is what causes this chromosomal disorder, experts say. Typically, human cells have 46 chromosomes; half from the sperm and half from the egg. Occasionally, extra genetic material builds up on the 21st chromosome when cells divide improperly and chromosome 21 becomes a trio, rather than a standard pair. In fact, another name of Down syndrome is "Trisomy 21." The triple chromosome will then continue to replicate improperly in each growing cell.
Doctors found that what causes Down syndrome environmentally may be the parents' age. For example, a 25-year-old mother has a 1/3,000 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome. By age 35, her risk will have increased to 1/365 and by 45, it will be a 1/30 chance of having a baby with the genetic condition! The latest Down syndrome research suggests that older fathers are now responsible for the 50% rise in risk, when the mother is also over 40. Even though the odds get worse as the parents age, 80% of these babies are born to women who are 35 or younger. However, that statistic can also be explained because younger women are having many more babies. Younger mothers who smoke and have a meiotic II error or who smoke and take oral contraceptives are at increased risk for having a Down child as well.
During pregnancy, there are several screening tests to examine what causes Down syndrome. Some people get blood tests like the quad screen, which reveals chromosomal disorders between the eleventh and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy. Doctors look for plasma protein-A and the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. This test is about 87% effective in making a Down syndrome diagnosis. Ultrasound is another method to check for abnormalities. While these tests may give parents peace of mind, they may also set off a false alarm. Even though 1/20 women test positive, most will go on to deliver healthy babies anyway.
Related topics about what causes down syndrome
fragile x syndrome
Fragile X syndrome occurs when a person's cells do not produce the FMRP protein. The genetic code for how to synthesize this protein is carried on the X chromosome, so men (who carry an X and a Y chromosome) can produce the protein only if there is a stable gene on their X chromosome telling their body how to do so. Women (who have XX chromosomes) may carry stable FMR1 on both chromosomes, resulting in normal protein production, while others carry one mutated X and one normal X (resulting in mild impairments, some protein production) and others still carry double mutated genes (which means there is no protein production).
people with down syndrome
All people with Down syndrome can't be expected to be math wizards or complete high school social studies exams. However, early integration for Down syndrome children is extremely important in helping them achieve successes and set realistic goals. Being exposed to many different subjects and hobbies is also important, as Down syndrome research suggests, since many are prodigies in art or music.
down syndrome
Down syndrome affects roughly 1/1,000 American babies. While it's every parent's worst nightmare to receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, 75% of all parents with a Down syndrome child will tell you the experience was ultimately extremely rewarding. Raising any child is never easy and raising a developmentally disabled child will certainly require more patience.