How long will someone with down's syndrome live?

Answer 1

The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased substantially. In 1929, the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was nine years. Today, it is common for a person with Down syndrome to live to age fifty and beyond. In addition to living longer, people with Down syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their community. Many people with Down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry. Now that people with Down syndrome are living longer, the needs of adults with Down syndrome are receiving greater attention. With assistance from family and caretakers, many adults with Down syndrome have developed the skills required to hold jobs and to live semi-independently.

Premature aging is a characteristic of adults with Down syndrome. In addition, dementia, or memory loss and impaired judgment similar to that occurring in Alzheimer disease patients, may appear in adults with Down syndrome. This condition often occurs when the person is younger than forty years old. Family members and caretakers of an adult with Down syndrome must be prepared to intervene if the individual begins to lose the skills required for independent living.

A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta examined death certificates of around 17,900 people with Down's who died between 1983 and 1997.

They found that over that time the average age at death increased from 25 to 49 years.

People from non-white races were more likely to die younger than white people with Down's syndrome.

People with Down's were more likely to die from conditions such as congenital heart defects, dementia and leukaemia.

However, with the exception of leukaemia and testicular cancer, other types of cancer were listed on death certificates less than one-tenth as often as expected.

Answer 2

Average Lifespan Of Down Syndrome

Answer 3

For as long as there's life in the body... in other words, someone with Down's Syndrome can live a perfectly lengthy life, just like anyone else UNLESS there are other health issues. Many have other health issues and those are factors that must be considered. I've known a few that are well into their 60s (older than me).
---Former Special Olympics Swimming Instructor/Volunteer/Coach

Answer 4

Life expectancy of someone with Down's Syndrome is about 60.

Answer 5

People with down's syndrome can live as long as any normal person can

Answer 6

well i've seen some people with down syndrome (when taken well cared for) live until their 40's and 50's, though i'm not sure, I can't speak for all. Down syndrome isn't as bad as all the other disorders.

Answer 7

Depends on what kind of physical problems they have. For instance, some have fairly significant heart defects, but others do not. People with Down's Syndrome without too many serious defects, live easily into their 50s-60s.

Answer 8

I heard from a friend who takes in Foster kids with Downs Syndrome that the average life expectancy is like 35. But she may be off by a few years. And it wouldn't be unusual for them to live much longer. It would depend on what other health issues they have.

Answer 9

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How long will someone with down's syndrome live?

Answer 10

I know some who have lived quite long. Old age. In their 50s right now. I cannot say that all people that have downs will live that long but some do. That is why it is sad for them. Often Parents die before the child. And they will always be children. It is sad as you know how heart broken a child can be when they lose a parent. And with no one to take care of them, a lot end up in halfway houses, or worse left to fend for themselves. It would be nice if they gave them classes continuously as they often need to be reminded of every day life tasks or chores.

Answer 11

Many people with Down syndrome begin to develop progressive loss of mental function similar to Alzheimer disease by age 40 years, and 75% of people with Down syndrome show signs and symptoms of Alzheimer disease