Down syndrome awareness benefits everyone

Down syndrome - named after John Langdon Down, the British physician who first described the condition in 1866 - is the most common genetic disorder that affects an estimated one out of 1 100 children, according to an article published by the United Nations.

In an effort to raise awareness, the Down Syndrome Association of Namibia and Side by Side Early Intervention Centre shed more light on the condition.

People who are affected by this condition are usually at a higher risk of developing health problems like heart defects, spinal problems, leukemia, learning disabilities, obesity and immune disorders. This does not mean that people with Down syndrome cannot live long lives, though. As long as they receive necessary medical treatments, they can reliably be expected to live over 60 years old and have fulfilling lives with meaningful relationships, career opportunities and life goals.

There are no known environmental causes and there is no way to prevent Down syndrome.



Causes

There are 23 pairs of chromosomes that contain the genetic information in every single cell in the human body. Each chromosome pair consists of two chromosomes for a total of 46. In each of the 23 chromosome pairs, one chromosome is inherited from your mother and one from your father.

The genetic disorder comes during cell division on chromosome pair 21, when extra genetic material is added to the chromosome pair that is responsible for Down syndrome.

The most common version of this is Trisomy 21, where there is an entire extra chromosome added to chromosome pair 21. The person ends up with three chromosomes where there should only be two in every single cell that carries genetic material in their body. This abnormal cell division occurs in one of the parents’ bodies during the creation of gametes (sperm or egg cells).

Mosaic Down syndrome also has a full extra copy of chromosome 21, but only affects some cells in the body.

Lastly, translocator Down syndrome occurs when a part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome. This variation has some evidence to be inheritable - although there is only a small correlation.



Myths

There are quite a few myths attached to this disorder. The biggest myth, according to the Down Syndrome Association of Namibia and Side by Side Early Intervention Centre, is that people with Down syndrome are always happy. The truth is that they experience a full range of emotions just like everyone else. Inconsiderate behaviour upsets them as much as it would any person.

Another myth is that only older parents have children with Down syndrome. This myth has some truth to it; the age of parents can be a contributing factor since the older a person is, the more common mistakes during cell division become. The full truth is that the majority of babies with Down syndrome are born to young mothers because young mothers tend to have more children.

Some believe that learning disabilities make people with Down syndrome unemployable and completely dependent on others for care. This is false. Adults with Down syndrome can have a career in many different industries. For example, many are employed by banks, nursing homes, restaurants and many other businesses. Many work in the entertainment or technological industry as well.

They can live with their families and can be active members of society. Learning disabilities do not make them akin to children, and treating them like you would any other person is the best way forward.