Therapy
There is no medical cure for Down syndrome, however, children with Down syndrome benefit from early access to medical care and developmental interventions beginning in infancy. Beneficial therapies for Down syndrome include physical, occupational, behavioral, and speech therapy.
How do you cure 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.
Is there any treatment or cure for Down syndrome?
Oct 03, 2018 · Physical Therapy Physical therapy focuses on improving how a person moves. Because children and adults with Down Syndrome commonly have poor muscle tone and smaller hands, physical therapy can allay any difficulties caused by these traits.
What can be done for a person with Down syndrome?
68 rows · Jan 25, 2018 · The overall goal of treatment is to boost cognition by improving learning, memory, and speech. [9] Other treatments depend on the specific health problems or complications present in each affected person. The Research Down syndrome Foundation have a webpage with information about active reseach projects .
What are the treatments and therapies for Down syndrome?
This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they …
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Down's syndrome is a genetic chromosome problem. Someone with Down's syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the cells of their body.
What is one treatment for Down syndrome?
There is no specific treatment for Down syndrome. People who have the condition will receive care for any health problems, as other people do. However, healthcare professionals may recommend additional health screening for issues common to people with the condition.
What are 2 treatments for Down syndrome?
What are common treatments for Down syndrome?Early Intervention and Educational Therapy.Treatment Therapies.Drugs and Supplements.Assistive Devices.Jan 31, 2017
Is there a cure for Down syndrome coming soon?
No. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition and right now there isn't a cure. But many health problems associated with the condition are treatable.May 30, 2020
Can Down syndrome be cured 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 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 to do when you learn your child has Down syndrome?
Coping and support. When you learn your child has Down syndrome, you may experience a range of emotions, including anger, fear, worry and sorrow. You may not know what to expect, and you may worry about your ability to care for a child with a disability. The best antidote for fear and worry is information and support.
What tests can be done to determine if a baby has Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests can identify or diagnose whether your baby has Down syndrome. Your health care provider can discuss the types of tests, advantages and disadvantages, benefits and risks, and the meaning of your results. If appropriate, your provider may recommend that you talk to a genetics counselor.
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.
When is integrated screening done?
The integrated screening test is done in two parts during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. The results are combined to estimate the risk that your baby has Down syndrome.
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.
Is screening for Down syndrome a part of prenatal care?
Screening for Down syndrome is offered as a routine part of prenatal care . Although screening tests can only identify your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome, they can help you make decisions about more-specific diagnostic tests.
How to help a person with Down syndrome?
There are different types of therapy methods that are used for patients with Down syndrome. Physical therapy is used to help Down syndrome patients learn motor skills. Speech therapy helps them learn how to use language effectively and to help them learn how to communicate. Emotional and behavioral therapy may also be used to help these individuals deal with unpleasant situations. Lastly, occupational therapy exists as a Down syndrome treatment method to help patients adjust to doing everyday tasks and help them realize their capabilities and physical capacity.
Can amino acids help with Down syndrome?
However, recent studies have shown that there is little effect of these supplements on the brains of Down syndrome patients. At the time of this writing, there is no medication that can cure Down syndrome.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
Since people who have Down syndrome have varying abilities, there is no one-cure-for-all treatment that can be applied to people with this condition. People with Down syndrome mostly have a team of medical professionals and specialists who all interact with, and help facilitate the treatment for these individuals.
What do kids with Down syndrome need?
Most kids with Down syndrome need therapies of various types. Some are focused on helping patients reach physical milestones at the same rate as those who don't have the disorder. Others are aimed at helping them become as independent as possible when they reach adulthood.
What is the deformity of the duodenum?
Some babies with Down syndrome are born with a deformity of the duodenum (a tube that allows digested food to pass from the stomach into the small bowel) called duodenal atresia. 6 It requires surgery to be repaired but isn't considered an emergency if there are other more pressing medical issues. Duodenal atresia can be dealt with temporarily with a tube placed to decompress swelling in the stomach and intravenous fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that often result from the condition.
What is early intervention?
Early intervention, according to the NDSS, is a "systematic program of therapy, exercises, and activities designed to address developmental delays that may be experienced by children with Down syndrome or other disabilities. ". 1 Early intervention typically includes these three types of therapy:
Can Down syndrome cause hearing loss?
Speech therapy: Children with Down syndrome often have small mouths and slightly enlarged tongues—features that can make it hard for them to speak clearly. These problems can be made worse in children with hypotonia because low muscle tone can affect the face. Hearing loss also can affect speech development.
What is the name of the defect in the heart that interferes with normal blood flow?
Certain birth defects are common in babies with Down syndrome. One of these is an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), in which a hole in the heart interferes with normal blood flow. 5 An AVSD is treated surgically by patching the hole and, if necessary, repairing any valves in the heart that may not close completely.
Can Down syndrome be treated with medication?
Many of the health problems that affect someone with Down syndrome can be managed with medication—typically the same medication that would be given to a person who doesn't have Down syndrome.
Is there any treatment for Down syndrome?
There is no treatment for Down syndrome itself, but there are conditions associated with Down syndrome that require treatment. Health conditions that affect some people with Down syndrome include heart defects, gastrointestinal tract deformities, thyroid disorders, hearing difficulties, and vision problems.
What is the treatment for Down syndrome?
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. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition. ...
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 eye checkup?
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. Many with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing certain health problems and serious medical conditions.
What is a baby's physical exam?
During the physical examination, a baby will also be assessed for any obvious signs of potential problems. A baby with Down syndrome will be tested for medical problems, particularly with the heart, thyroid and eyes.
Can birth defects be corrected?
Many birth defects can be corrected through surgery which can become costly. Where parents can, seek out medical health insurance which will help to cover some of the necessary health costs. It may be necessary for considerably more medical check-ups for a child with Down syndrome than others.
Why is speech therapy important?
During early stages, speech therapy and physical therapy are critical and can help to ensure that a baby / child develops sufficiently enough to better enhance their quality of life during adulthood. It will take time and patience from everyone involved, but a child will learn to master a variety of skills.
Can you raise a child with special needs?
Some choose to place their child in foster care or give a baby up for adoption. Others choose to raise their child as best they can.
What is the best treatment for Down syndrome?
Physical Therapy . Physical therapy focuses on improving how a person moves. Because children and adults with Down Syndrome commonly have poor muscle tone and smaller hands, physical therapy can allay any difficulties caused by these traits.
What is the best way to teach children with Down syndrome?
Touchscreen tablets and computers are useful for children with Down Syndrome who struggle with performing fine motor movements. Educational software approaches learning via interaction and implementing sight, sound, and touch, which can make lessons more accessible and appealing.
How does early intervention help children with Down syndrome?
Even before a child with Down Syndrome reaches school age, various therapies can help.
How does speech therapy help children with Down syndrome?
The overall goal is to improve the child’s ability to communicate. One thing to watch out for in particular is hearing loss. Due to anatomical differences in children with Down Syndrome, they are prone to fluid retention behind the eardrum that can cause hearing loss. Even though the fluid can be drained, this sometimes-chronic condition exemplifies how a child’s learning of auditory language can be disrupted. The result is, of course, life-long difficulties in speech and understanding. Communication takes many forms, and your child’s specific needs will shape what is stressed during therapy sessions.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Unlike physical therapists, occupational therapists work on improving fine motor skills and the performance of daily tasks like getting dressed, brushing one’s teeth, and eating. As the child gets older, the focus will shift to skills like writing and using a computer.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
While there is no cure for Down Syndrome, there are therapies, treatments, and educational support available to improve the quality of life of those affected. The exact course of treatment will depend on the individual, taking into account the person’s age, overall health, environment, and personal strengths and limitations.
What is Down syndrome?
Listen. Down syndrome is a chromosome disorder associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, with small nose and an upward slant to the eyes, and low muscle tone in infancy. [1] [2] The degree of intellectual disability varies from mild to moderate. People with Down syndrome may also be born with various health ...
What are the health concerns of Down syndrome?
People with Down syndrome may also be born with various health concerns such as heart defects or digestive abnormalities, as well as short stature and a single deep crease across the center of the palm.
How many copies of chromosome 21 are there in Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is caused by having three copies of chromosome 21 (called trisomy 21) instead of the usual two copies and is typically not inherited. [2] [3] [4] Treatment focuses on the specific symptoms in each person. There is ongoing research about the specific genes causing the disease aiming to find more effective treatments.
How many chromosomes are in a Down syndrome cell?
About 3-4% of people with Down syndrome have cells that contain 46 chromosomes; however, there is extra chromosome 21 material attached ( translocated) onto another chromosome. For parents of a child with Down syndrome due to a translocation, there may be an increased chance of Down syndrome in future pregnancies.
Can Down syndrome be diagnosed during pregnancy?
Listen. Down syndrome may be suspected and/or diagnosed during pregnancy, or after a child is born. During pregnancy, a woman can opt to have specific tests that may either screen for, or diagnosis, Down syndrome in a fetus.
What is the genetic cause of Down syndrome?
There are 3 possible genetic causes of Down syndrome: [2] [3] [5] Trisomy 21. Most often, Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome 21 in all cells of the affected person. In these cases, the chromosome 21 pair fails to separate during the formation of an egg (or sperm); this is called " nondisjunction .".
How does a registry help research?
A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Down syndrome. The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry.
What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
Other medical problems. Your child may also have other less common issues that need treatment, such as: 1 Blockage in the intestine. Some babies with Down syndrome get Hirschsprung ’s disease, where part of the intestine gets blocked. This is treated with surgery that removes part of the intestine. 2 Infections. Babies with Down syndrome also have weaker immune systems, so they may get sick more often. There’s no treatment for this, but it means that getting vaccines on time is even more important. 3 Thyroid problems. The thyroid makes hormones your body need. In kids with Down syndrome, it sometimes doesn’t make enough. If that happens, your child will take medicine to help.
What is early intervention?
Early Intervention. Most states offer programs that provide a range of services for children up to 3 years old. These programs can boost your child’s physical and mental growth. They typically have therapists and teachers who are specially trained to help kids learn a variety of skills, such as how to:
Can Down syndrome cause hearing loss?
Many children with Down syndrome have hearing loss in one or both ears. Because of that, your child will likely have regular visits with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to catch any issues early on. Sometimes hearing problems are caused by fluid build-up in the ears.
Can adenoids cause sleep apnea?
Sometimes, larger-than-normal tonsils and adenoids cause sleep apnea. In this case, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove them. Leukemia. Children with Down syndrome are at a 10- to 20-fold increase for developing this blood cancer. But the risk is still at 2%.
Do kids with Down syndrome go to school?
Many kids with Down syndrome go to their neighborhood schools along with all the other kids. This can be great not only for your child, but for the other children as well. Your child also has the right to get services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which starts at age 3.
Treatment Therapies
Drugs and Supplements
Assistive Devices
DS-Connect®: The Down Syndrome Registry