What are the effects of Down’s syndrome?

Down’s syndrome may cause a number of different symptoms and effects; everyone is different and some people may suffer more severely than other people. Common effects of Down’s syndrome include:

• Health complications and risks

Many people with Down’s syndrome have a higher risk of a number of health conditions; around 40-50 percent of people suffer from heart problems. Some children have treatment for heart conditions at a very young age, while others are monitored closely and treated when they are a little older. The most common heart defect amongst children with Down’s syndrome is septal defect; this is also known as a hole in the heart and occurs as a result of a hole in the wall between the chambers of the heart.

People with Down’s syndrome do not have a fully developed immune system, so they are more susceptible to infections and illnesses; this means they get ill more often than other people.

Down’s syndrome sufferers are also more likely to experience problems with their hearing and sight; it is estimated that 50 percent of people with the syndrome suffer from visual and hearing problems. Common problems include long and short sightedness, squints and glue ear; usually these conditions can be treated easily and effectively.

Oral health problems are also prevalent amongst people with Down’s syndrome; common conditions include gum disease and tooth decay.

Other possible health complications include mental health problems (including an increased risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease), dysphagia (which causes difficulties with swallowing) and thyroid problems (in most cases this refers to hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland).

• Learning disabilities and difficulties

All people with Down’s syndrome are affected by learning difficulties as a result of having a lower than average IQ; the average amongst people with the syndrome is 50, while the national average is around 100. Some people have much milder learning difficulties than others. People with Down’s syndrome often taken longer to grasp new concepts and they have difficulty retaining new information; they may also experience problems with remembering things and concentrating for long periods of time.

• Growth and development

People with Down’s syndrome usually grow and develop much more slowly than other people; they are usually much shorter than average and take longer to learn how to crawl, walk and communicate with other people. Therapies such as physiotherapy and speech therapy can help to encourage development.

FAQS Index : Down's Syndrome

FAQs Intro

1. What is Down’s syndrome?
2. Are there different forms of Down’s syndrome?
3. What causes Down’s syndrome?
4. Are there any risk factors?
5. What are the symptoms of Down’s syndrome?

6. What are the effects of Down’s syndrome?
7. What treatments are available for Down’s syndrome?
8. How common is Down’s syndrome?
9. Is it possible to detect Down’s syndrome during pregnancy?
10. Is there any help or support available for people with Down’s syndrome?