Awareness of Down syndrome to the benefit of all
Down syndrome affects many people worldwide.This genetic disorder can result in a change in a person's physical appearance and health problems. However, this does not mean that persons living with Down syndrome cannot lead a full, satisfying life.
Down syndrome, named after John Langdon Down - the British doctor who first identified the condition in 1866 - is the most common genetic disorder affecting about one in 1 000 children, according to an article by the United Nations (UN ).
To promote awareness of this syndrome, Huipie van Wyk, the director of the Side by Side Early Intervention Centre in Windhoek, in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of Namibia, explains more about this condition and the people who live with it.
"People who suffer from Down syndrome are usually at greater risk for health problems such as heart problems, back pain, leukaemia, learning disorders, obesity and immune disorders. However, this does not mean that people with Down syndrome cannot have a long life, as long as the necessary medical treatment and intervention takes place in time. There are also no environmental risk factors for Down syndrome that doctors are aware of."
Causes
"There are 23 pairs of chromosomes that contain the genetic material in every cell in the human body.
Each chromosome pair consists of two chromosomes creating 46 chromosomes. In each of the 23 chromosome pairs, one chromosome is inherited from one's father and one from one's mother. These chromosome pairs contain the genes that determine a person's physical characteristics.
Down syndrome arises as a result of irregular cell division on the 21st chromosome. During the irregular cell division, extra genetic material is attached to the chromosome pair and consequently causes Down syndrome.
The most common version of Down syndrome is Trisomy 21 where an extra chromosome is added to the 21st chromosome pair. The person then has three complete copies of the 21st chromosome instead of the expected two copies in every cell in the body that contains genetic material.
Another variation of Down syndrome is Mosaic Down syndrome. This version affects only some cells in the body.
Finally, there is Translocation Down syndrome where a part of chromosome 21 attaches itself to another chromosome. There is evidence that Translocation Down Syndrome is hereditary - however, the ratio is small."
Myths
"There are a few stories about Down syndrome that are spread - the biggest one, according to Van Wyk, is that people with Down syndrome are always happy.
The truth is that, like other people, they experience a full spectrum of emotions. Thoughtless behaviour upsets people with Down syndrome just as much as it would upset any other person.
Another common belief is that only older people have children with Down syndrome. There is some truth in the myth; the age of parents plays a role because irregular cell division becomes more common the older the person is. Although the chances increase, the majority of babies with Down syndrome are born to younger mothers, because younger mothers tend to have more children. If older women want to have children, the Side by Side Early Intervention Centre can offer help before and during pregnancy.
Finally, there is the idea that the mental disability caused by Down syndrome means that people living with this syndrome cannot find work and are completely dependent on others for care. This is untrue.
Adults with Down syndrome can have a career in various fields. For example, many are employed in banks, nursing homes, restaurants and other businesses. Others work in the entertainment industry, hospitality industry or the technology sector.
They can live with their families and are active participants in society. Mental disability does not mean that they should be treated like children - treating them like any other adult is the best way forward.
Thanks to the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), the Down Syndrome Association of Namibia can raise awareness all over the country about early detection and intervention of Down syndrome," Huipie concluded. - [email protected]