Featured Condtion/Disease: Down Syndrome

We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday.  Today's topic is Down Syndrome.

Definition:

Down Syndrome is caused by having an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are part of the nucleus of the cell, containing the information that makes up a person. Individuals with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. A typical child has two copies of chromosome 21. Children with Down Syndrome have three copies of this chromosome, causing changes in the development of the body and the brain. 

Signs

• Slanted eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners.
• Short, broad hands with a single crease along the palm.
• Flat bridge of the nose.
• Short, low-set ears.
• Short neck.
• Small head.
• Tongue sticks out.
• Broad feet with short toes.
• Low muscle tone, causing muscles to feel floppy.
• Levels of mental retardation vary by child.

More Information

To get more information about Down Syndrome, click here. 

*Most of the information provided here is from the Teach More/Love More site, click here to visit their site.