Health problems
In the 1950s, the life expectancy Define Life expectancy for a person with Down's syndrome Define Down's syndrome was 15. It is now over 60. This is because we know more about the health problems associated with Down's syndrome; heart surgery; immunisation programmes Define Immunisation ; and antibiotics Define Antibiotics .
Health problems associated with Down's syndrome are:
- The Heart
- Around one in three babies with Down's syndrome has a congenital Define Congenital heart defect. Although some defects cause no problems and eventually heal themselves, most require surgery and long-term monitoring of the condition. Newborn babies are checked for heart problems and then examined again at six weeks.
- Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid)
- Causes lethargy Define Lethargy , lack of concentration, weight gain, dry coarse skin, memory impairment and intolerance of cold. Newborn babies are tested and ongoing screening should be conducted at least every two years throughout life. Treatment is thyroid Define Thyroid supplement in tablet form. However, if left untreated the condition can lead to heart disease and changes in behaviour.
- Leukaemia
- Around one in 100 children with Down's syndrome develops leukaemia Define Leukaemia , usually between the age of one and four.
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Children with Down's syndrome are prone to coughs, colds and ear infections because of their relatively narrow ear and nasal passages Define Nasal passage . Antibiotic treatment may be needed. Older people are also more susceptible to chronic respiratory conditions Define Chronic respiratory condition .
- Atlanto-axial instability
- There is increased mobility of the two bones directly under the skull (atlas and axis), which in extreme cases can become compressed Define Compressed . Cord Define Cord compression can happen gradually or rapidly causing dislocation and even paralysis. The annual physical examination should include a check for signs of cord compression (neck pain, restricted neck movement, unsteadiness in walking and deterioration in bowel and bladder control). Children should not be barred from sporting activities except intensive trampolining, intensive horse riding and high diving. When undergoing any treatment requiring anaesthesia Define Anaesthesia , a collar should be used to keep the neck stable. Collars should also be used if a person with Down's syndrome is involved in a road traffic accident, until examination has taken place.
- Ears
- Children with Down's syndrome are prone to ear infections particularly 'glue ear' Define Glue ear . The problem often recurs throughout childhood. Treatment is by inserting grommets Define Grommets . Hearing should be monitored regularly (at least every two years) throughout life.
- Eyes
- Squints Define Squint are common and need to be corrected surgically or by wearing glasses. If left untreated the good eye will take over and the lazy eye can become blind. Cataracts Define Cataract occur in 46% of adults, and people with Down's syndrome are prone to Keratoconus (the cornea becomes cone shaped). Cataracts are treatable if identified early enough and regular eye checks are advised.
- Muscle tone
- Very poor in infants and can cause problems with sucking and weight gain.
- Dental
- The milk teeth Define Milk teeth erupt later and stay longer, suffering more wear and tear. This makes gum disease Define Gum disease more common. Adult teeth may be irregularly spaced. Regular dental check ups are advised.
- Ageing pattern
- People with Down's syndrome in the 50 to 60 age bracket show the same typical ageing pattern as the general population - a decline in memory, vision, hearing and motor function Define Motor function . After 60, there is usually deterioration in vision (cataracts become common), hearing and skin. Other health problems that are more common in older people with Down's syndrome are chronic respiratory conditions, arthritis Define Arthritis , epilepsy define Epilepsy , diabetes Define Diabetes and hypothyroidism.
- Epilepsy
- Another feature of ageing in adults with Down's syndrome is the onset of epileptic seizures. By 50, one in ten people have had a seizure. Medication controls this.
- Depression Define Depression
- Common in older adults and usually a result of bereavement Define Bereavement or changes in living situations.