Therapy
According to Bianchi, prenatal imaging studies of human fetuses with Down Syndrome show neurological abnormalities.
What do prenatal studies tell us about Down syndrome?
Research indicates that early intervention improves outcomes for children with Down syndrome. 2,3 This assistance can begin shortly after birth and often continues until a child reaches age 3. 4 After that age, most children receive interventions and treatment through their local school district.
Can early intervention improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome?
Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional needs and counselling. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition.
What are the treatment options for Down syndrome?
The treatment of postnatal depression: a comprehensive literature review. J Reprod Infant Psychol2001;19:215-48. 287. Dennis CL. Treatment of postpartum depression, part 2: a critical review of nonbiological interventions. J Clin Psychiatry2004;65:1252-65.
What is the literature on the treatment of postnatal depression?
What are treatment options for Down syndrome?
Down syndrome cannot be cured. Early treatment programs can help improve skills. They may include speech, physical, occupational, and/or educational therapy.
What are the targets goals for enhancement for Down syndrome?
The overarching goal of early intervention programs is to enhance and accelerate development by building on a child's strengths and by strengthening those skills that are weaker in all areas of development.
What current research is being done to develop a cure for Down syndrome?
The study drug—called ELND005—is believed to have two potential benefits for people with Down syndrome: (1) prevent the accumulation of plaques that might contribute to Alzheimer's disease, and (2) improve working memory and cognitive functioning by regulating myo-inositol levels in the brain.
Can Down syndrome be treated in utero?
However, compelling studies reveal that permanent brain alterations originate during fetal life in Down syndrome. Early prenatal diagnosis offers a 28 weeks window to positively impact brain development and improve postnatal cognitive outcome in affected individuals.
Why is early intervention importance for Down syndrome?
Research examining early interventions is helping parents and practitioners to better support the early development of children with Down syndrome. Research evaluating Responsive Teaching has drawn attention to the importance of pivotal behaviours - helping children to learn how to learn.
Are there prenatal tests for Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests during pregnancy Diagnostic tests that can identify Down syndrome include: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In CVS, cells are taken from the placenta and used to analyze the fetal chromosomes. This test is typically performed in the first trimester, between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
What is the latest research saying about Down syndrome?
Jan. 16, 2020 — New research has discovered that Down's syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and Williams syndrome are all linked to sleep disruption in very young children, and that sleep plays a crucial role in the ...
What technology can you use to assist students with Down syndrome?
Clicker software is used in schools and can be helpful for children who have Down's syndrome (this software is designed to develop speech and language skills and word recognition using visual prompts). Special iApps is also commonly used by children who have Down's syndrome.
Can Down syndrome be treated during pregnancy?
The extra chromosome can't be removed from cells, so there's no cure for the condition. The chromosomes divide incorrectly by accident, not because of anything the parents have done. Although the chance of having a child with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome.
How do you prevent Down syndrome during pregnancy?
April 17, 2003 -- Taking folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy may not only help prevent neural tube defects in babies, but it may also reduce the risk of Down syndrome.
How does Down syndrome affect prenatal development?
What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic condition that happens when a child is born with an extra chromosome. The extra chromosome affects the way the child's brain and body develop, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disability and an increased risk for certain medical issues.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Early intervention for infants and children with Down syndrome can make a major difference in improving their quality of life. Because each child with Down syndrome is unique, treatment will depend on individual needs. Also, different stages of life may require different services.
How to help people with Down syndrome?
Participate in social and leisure activities. Take time for family outings and look in your community for social activities such as park district programs, sports teams or ballet classes. Although some adaptations may be required, children and adults with Down syndrome can enjoy social and leisure activities.
What is nuchal translucency?
This is known as a nuchal translucency screening test. When abnormalities are present, more fluid than usual tends to collect in this neck tissue. Using your age and the results of the blood test and the ultrasound, your doctor or genetic counselor can estimate your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
What is the first trimester combined test?
The first trimester combined test. The first trimester combined test, which is done in two steps, includes: Blood test. This blood test measures the levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Abnormal levels of PAPP-A and HCG may indicate a problem with the baby.
How do people with Down syndrome live?
Most people with Down syndrome live with their families or independently, go to mainstream schools, read and write, participate in the community, and have jobs. People with Down syndrome can live fulfilling lives. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
What tests can be used to diagnose Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests that can identify Down syndrome include: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In CVS, cells are taken from the placenta and used to analyze the fetal chromosomes.
How to help a child with independence?
Your child's abilities may be different from other children's abilities, but with your support and some practice your child may be able to perform tasks such as packing lunch, managing hygiene and dressing, and doing light cooking and laundry. Prepare for the transition to adulthood.
What is the treatment for Down syndrome?
What are common treatments for Down syndrome? There is no single, standard treatment for Down syndrome. Treatments are based on each individual's physical and intellectual needs as well as his or her personal strengths and limitations. 1 People with Down syndrome can receive proper care while living at home and in the community.
How does a physical therapist help a child with Down syndrome?
A physical therapist also can help a child with Down syndrome compensate for physical challenges, such as low muscle tone, in ways that avoid long-term problems.
What can a speech therapist do for Down syndrome?
Learning to communicate is an ongoing process, so a person with Down syndrome also may benefit from speech and language therapy in school as well as later in life.
What is early intervention?
“Early intervention” refers to a range of specialized programs and resources that professionals provide to very young children with Down syndrome and their families. These professionals may include special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers.
Why do Down syndrome patients get frustrated?
Children with Down syndrome may become frustrated because of difficulty communicating, may develop compulsive behaviors, and may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other mental health issues.
How early can you get help with Down syndrome?
2, 3 This assistance can begin shortly after birth and often continues until a child reaches age 3. 4 After that age, most children receive interventions and treatment through their local school district.
When do you need surgery for Down syndrome?
For example, an infant with Down syndrome may need surgery a few days after birth to correct a heart defect; or a person with Down syndrome may have digestive problems ...
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See Also: Monitoring Your Pregnancy Post-Diagnosis chapter in our book, “Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome.”
Parent Quotes
Parents reflect on their prenatal care experiences and how they felt about the different tests and medical care:
What happens to the brain during pregnancy with Down syndrome?
Typically with Down, over the course of a pregnancy production of new brain cells is slowed, as are production of: the nerve fibers connecting the cells, the myelin (or cellular insulation) that protects nerve fibers, and the synapses that permit nerve cells to pass electrical and chemical signals to each other .
What is the apigenin trial?
According to Bianchi, the trial depicted in today’s issue of The American Journal of Human Genetics was a proof-of-principle trial for an approach that ultimately could provide interventions that are personalized for individual human fetuses. To explore this possibility, the researchers tested the effect of apigenin on cells sloughed off by human fetuses and harvested during routine amniocentesis. They found that, in the lab, apigenin had anti-inflammatory effects on those cells.
What is the care of a baby with Down syndrome?
A baby with Down syndrome will be tested for medical problems, particularly with the heart, thyroid and eyes. Problems or defects detected and diagnosed early are usually better managed, ...
What is the treatment plan for a child?
Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupa tional therapy, nutritional needs and counselling.
What is the treatment for an underactive thyroid gland?
Physical treatment will also involve: Medications – these can include antibiotics for the treatment of infections and thyroid hormones to treat an underactive thyroid gland, and supplements, amongst others relating to an individual’s personal health. Surgery – If a baby is born with congenital defects, surgery may be highly recommended ...
What is the best way to deal with emotional issues in teenage years?
During teenage years and early adulthood, in particular, sensitive emotions and issues can benefit greatly from counselling sessions while going through specific transitional phases of growing up. Emotional problems and assistance with social skills can be well managed and better understood through therapy.
What is the purpose of a comprehensive treatment plan?
Once diagnosed and all relevant checks and tests have been conducted, a doctor will put together a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure that a child remains as healthy as possible as he or she grows. Different stages will require different phases of treatment and services.
Why is it important to have a regular check up for Down syndrome?
Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition . Regular check-ups are important from the time of birth, and throughout a person’s life. During the first year, eye problems in particular are common and will be carefully assessed during check-ups.
Is Down syndrome a fault?
The effort a parent puts in to better understand their child’s condition, the greater the chances of their success: Learn about what Down syndrome is and why it happens: For the most part, producing a child with Down syndrome is not anyone’s fault. Genetic material merely develops in a way that is beyond anyone’s control.