Therapies for Down Syndrome
- Speech-language Therapy. Speech-language therapy addresses communication and language skills by focusing on articulation, cognitive skills, and strengthening the oral muscles (tongue, lips).
- Physical Therapy. Physical therapy focuses on improving how a person moves. ...
- Occupational Therapy. ...
- Assistive Technology. ...
- Special Education. ...
Is there any natural treatment for Down syndrome?
Oct 03, 2018 · Therapies for Down Syndrome Speech-language Therapy. Speech-language therapy addresses communication and language skills by focusing on... Physical Therapy. Physical therapy focuses on improving how a person moves. Because children and adults with Down... Occupational Therapy. Like the name ...
How do you cure Down syndrome?
Dec 07, 2021 · In this type of Down Syndrome, children have only an extra part of chromosome 21. Moreover, there are 46 total chromosomes, however, one of them has an extra piece of chromosome 21 attached to another chromosome. ... Treatment Options. There is no cure for Down Syndrome, however, there is a wide variety of support and educational programs that ...
Is there a new cure for Down syndrome?
Mar 13, 2022 · There is no cure for Down syndrome, but there are various treatments which can help a child with the condition pursue an active and healthy life. Some of the different types of Down syndrome treatment include physiotherapy to improve range of motion, and speech therapy to help the child learn to communicate with others. Occupational therapy is also important …
What are the treatments and therapies for Down syndrome?
Types of Down Syndrome. As discussed earlier, Down syndrome is caused due to an extra full or partial copy of chromosome-21. The extent of the triplication of chromosome number 21 and their presence in the number of cells form the basis of the categorization of Down syndrome. Trisomy is the most common form of Down syndrome.
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 are assistive devices?
2 These range from simple items like three-sided pencils and spring-loaded scissors that are easier to hold and manipulate to more elaborate devices such as computers with touchscreens or keyboards with large letters.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 the best treatment for Down syndrome?
One type of Down syndrome treatment is physiotherapy . Children with the condition often have trouble with their range of motion. As a result, exercises and physical therapies such as massage can help. In the case of a baby with Down syndrome, physiotherapy can assist in helping the newborn to learn to walk or sit.
How does Down syndrome help children?
There are various treatment that can help a child with Down syndrome to pursue a healthy and active life. The earlier Down syndrome treatment starts, the better chance the child has of leading a healthy and active life.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
There is no cure for Down syndrome, but there are various treatments which can help a child with the condition pursue an active and healthy life. Some of the different types of Down syndrome treatment include physiotherapy to improve range of motion, and speech therapy to help the child learn to communicate with others.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome, also known as Down’s Syndrome, is a genetic condition in which a baby is born with an extra full or partial copy of the chromosome 21. The condition, hence, is also called Trisomy 21. The extra copy of chromosome-21 creates various problems and may affect a person’s physical as well as mental condition.
Types of Down Syndrome
As discussed earlier, Down syndrome is caused due to an extra full or partial copy of chromosome-21. The extent of the triplication of chromosome number 21 and their presence in the number of cells form the basis of the categorization of Down syndrome.
What Causes a Child to be born with Down Syndrome?
There is no certain factor that can be attributed as the cause for the triplication of chromosome-21. Hence, no certain cause can be given for a child to be born with Down syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of a Child with Down Syndrome
A baby born with Down syndrome may show some visible signs indicating her condition. The signs may include:
What are the Medical Complications related to Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that is almost always accompanied by some medical complications. People with Down syndrome are also more likely to catch common infections like skin infection, urinary tract infection and respiratory infection. Some of the most common medical complications accompanying Down syndrome are as follows:
Is There any Treatment for Down Syndrome?
There is no treatment for Down syndrome. However, a better understanding of the condition and early interventions can positively impact the quality of life of the person with the genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Physical and developmental therapies might help a child with Down syndrome to reach her full potential and live a meaningful life.
What are the different types of Down syndrome?
There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), Mosaicism, and Translocation. Below is a chart that outlines the cell division process of regular cells.
What is the cause of Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called “nondisjunction.” Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate.
How many chromosomes are in a mosaic?
Mosaicism (or mosaic Down syndrome) exists when there are a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and some containing 47. Those cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. Mosaicism is the least common form of Down syndrome.
How many chromosomes are in Down syndrome?
In translocation, which accounts for about 4% of cases of Down syndrome, the total number of chromosomes in the cells remains 46. However, an additional full or partial copy of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome, usually chromosome 14.
Is mosaicism common in Down syndrome?
Mosaicism is the least common form of Down syndrome. It accounts for only about 1% of all cases of Down syndrome. Research indicates that individuals with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome than those with other types of Down syndrome. However, broad generalizations are not possible due to the wide range ...
How do neuroprotective peptides help with Down syndrome?
Using a mouse model for Down syndrome, NICHD researchers showed that by administering neuroprotective peptides (small protein sub units) to mice before birth, they perform better on memory and learning tasks as adults. The peptides, NAP and SAL, are sub units of two proteins that are important in brain development because they enhance the ability of brain cells to receive and transmit signals, and enable them to survive. The mice in the study had an extra copy of mouse chromosome 16, which has counterparts to 55% of the genes on human chromosome 21. Mice with the extra chromosomal material that were treated with NAP and SAL in the womb learned as well as mice that did not have the extra chromosome and significantly faster than mice with the extra chromosome that were treated with saline solution (placebo).
What is the most common chromosomal cause of mild to moderate intellectual disability?
Named after John Langdon Down, the first physician to describe the syndrome systematically, Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal cause of mild to moderate intellectual disability. It occurs in all ethnic and economic groups. People with the syndrome also are at a greater risk for many other conditions, such as congenital heart disease, hearing loss, leukemia, and dementia and memory loss similar to Alzheimer disease.
What is Consortium members?
Consortium members, who represent public and private organizations, work to avoid duplication of research efforts and to inform the Down syndrome community of research advances. In addition to the NICHD, the Consortium includes the following organizations (in alphabetical order): American Academy of Pediatrics.
What is DS Connect?
In 2013, the Consortium launched its Down syndrome registry, DS-Connect ®, which facilitates contacts and information sharing among people with Down syndrome and their family members, researchers, and parent and support groups safely and confidentially.
What is the IDDB?
Some of the Institute's work related to Down syndrome is supported through its Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch (IDDB). A key focus for the IDDB is exploring treatments for Down syndrome, including agents that improve intellectual development and cognitive performance.
Is memantine used for Alzheimer's?
For example, researchers currently are studying the use of the drug memantine, which supports cognition in mice and is approved for treating Alzheimer's dementia in humans, to improve the cognitive abilities of young adults with Down syndrome.
