Why do people with Down Syndrome all look alike?

Answer 1

Down's Syndrome was originally noticed because of similar facial features. It is not a disease, it is a genetic alteration.
Because of the similarity of the genetic alteration, we see a corresponding similarity in look.
However, Down's syndrome people do not all look alike, they look far more like their families than each other.

It is silly to see only the looks and not the people, these are great kids mostly. They have a wide variety of skills ability and temperament, but are mostly happy and fun.

Answer 2

People with Down's syndrome probably do not all look alike to those who know them personally. There are, however, physical characteristics that they have in common. Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder that was established at the moment of conception. Normally, there are 23 pairs of
chromosomes that make up the fertilized egg. One of each pair is from the sperm and the other from the egg. In Down's there is an extra chromosome 21. The medical term is trisomy 21. This is the usual reason for Down's syndrome.
The most obvious consequenses of having an extra chromosome 21 are an epicanthal fold around the eyes, short stature, dental deformaties,
broad chest and mental retardation. The epicanthal fold about the eyes give them an Asiatic or Mongoloian appearance, hence, the older term mongoloid.
As in any group of people, those with Down's exhibit different personalities and varied abilities.
Because they look different, some people may tease or bully folks who have Down syndrome. But these people have feelings just like anybody else. When they get teased, it hurts their feelings. They want to be accepted and have friends. If you know someone with Down syndrome, you can be a big help by not teasing him or her. Instead, offer a helping hand and a friendly word of encouragement.

Answer 3

They don't all look alike although they share similar physical characteristics to some degree. I know a lot of people with Down syndrome, my son included, and they all look quite different and most resemble their families.

Let me also clear up a couple things that other people posted to set the record straight.

Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. Not one less, and not an extra gene.

Also, to the med student, a gentle bit of advice that using the term "mongoloid" in any of it's forms when referring to a person with Down syndrome is considered offensive. It is an outdated term and I hope that in your future practice, should you ever work with a person with Down syndrome, you will be careful of the words you use.

Answer 4

Down-Syndrome is the trisomia of the 21st chromosome, which means that it's genetically coded, and means that people having the syndrome will suffer from the same physical and mental abnormalities. Alterations in a gene influence trancription and translation of thegenetical information, it influences the synthesis of proteins - which give the characteristic features of everyone. Genotype (the sequence of genetical info that's inside you) codes the fenotype - (how you look, your features).

Basically that is why they have the mongoles type eyes, big mouth and tongue and so on. They are born that way, never be rude to them for this.

I hope I could help.

Answer 5

Because they have the same syndrome....down syndrome gives specific features to a person and another person with the same syndrome would likely have the same features...so thus, they look alike...

Answer 6

They don't! They have some similarities as a result of the genetic disorder. But to say they all look alike is like saying "oh chinese people all look alike". Just because they are different from you, doesn't mean they are all the same!

Answer 7

I have worked with 3 people who have this "Downs Syndrome". As I understand it is a genetic anomaly. It is amazing that these people have similar faces and have great personalities. Maybe we are different?

Answer 8

nope the syndrome is a genetic disease that alongside with the psychological disabilities comes with a generalized actual look. the down grew to become eyes and a few different facial features make all of them look comparable. they do no longer seem to be all appropriate any greater than a common guy or woman is concerning a random guy or woman. no longer all brown eyed absolutely everyone seems to be appropriate.

Answer 9

Actually they don't, but the signs of downs that they have in common are the most unsual things about them at so that's what you unconciously fasen on as an identifier. Rather like the punker in spiked purple hair will be reconized by the hair & if they change it you don't reconise them anymore.

Answer 10

people born with this disease have one extra gene in their chromazones which causes the appearance they have. that's why they all look the way they do. and many of them can live a somewhat normal life.