Down Syndrome

Introduction Down syndrome is an increasingly prevalent disease in the US. It is a genetic disease that is caused by an extra 21st chromosome. One in about every 800 live births has Down syndrome (National Down Syndrome Society). Down syndrome is the most common form of both identifiable retardation (Ludman and Wynbrandt, page 23) and genetic diseases (National Down Syndrome Society). History Down syndrome was first recognized as a disease by John Langdon Down in 1866. Down is …

…of individuals with Down syndrome is improving. Although there is no overall cure for Down syndrome, there are several treatments for specific symptoms. Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming more prevalent in our society, and the span of their capabilities is becoming wider. They can attend school and hold jobs. More and more people will come in contact with people who have Down syndrome, so awareness to dispel common myths about the disease should grow.