is there some treatment for down syndrome?

Question

there are some supplements on the market for down syndrome. are these effective? if not is there any other possible treatment for down syndrome?

Answer 1

Down's Syndrome is also called Trisomy 21, because it is the result of having 3 chromesomes in what should be the 21st pair. Since it is a genetic disorder, and that occurs at conception, there is nothing treatable about it. It doesn't really need treatment, anyway. There are physical problems associated with the disorder which are treatable, and the amount of retardation that results is extremely variable. With proper medical treatment of the physical problems and education, most Trisomy individuals can lead long lives and some eventually are able to live independantly.
Genetic testing can detect the trisomy defect in the developing fetus, but there is no way to prevent it from happening in the first place. The risk is higher for older mothers, but it can occur with any pregnancy. So there isn't anything that can be done about it. However, the individuals with Downs Syndrome are usually quite happy people who bring a great deal to give to those around them. Rather than focus on the potential intellectual limitations they may have, we would do much better to focus on the abilities they do have. Intelligence even among the regular population is pretty variable, and there are plenty of people considered "normal" who are actually of no better intelligence level than the Down's Syndrome children. They just look more like everyone else and can fit in a little easier. No body just assumes by looking at them that they are of lower intelligence, or expects them to act differently.
So the individuals don't need "treatment", but the general populace could certainly afford some education of their own about it.

Answer 2

The use of supplements for children is a very controversial and touchy subject. I have a son with Down syndrome and we don't use supplement therapy, but I know many parents who do. I've yet to see a discussion on the subject that didn't wind up getting very heated. There are sites you can find that even claim to "cure" Down syndrome, which is nonsense since it 1) is not a disease; and 2) would require somehow that ever single cell in a person's body have the third 21st chromosome magically "disappear". I believe that most of the parents I know who use supplements so so to "enhance" congnitive development....there is no solid evidence that it works, but I don't think it is necessarily harmful either...although I would only use such supplementation with the blessing of my son's pediatrician. We are quite happy with our son's progression as it is, with lots of physical, speech and occupational therapy, love, attention and working with him at home.

Answer 3

There is no treatment for Down's syndrome.

Answer 4

I am the mom of a child with Down's Syndrome and I have not heard of any supplements for the treatment of Down's. As far as treatment goes, there are many things you can do to help a person, child with Down's Syndrome to acheive goals. For instance, it is never to early to learn. As soon as you find out the child has this genetic disorder..start to listen to music with them, read, study colors, have as much interaction with them as possible. DON"T focus on what they CAN"T DO...focus on what they can. I put my son in a early headstart program that came to our home and taught me things to do in order for my son to gain muscle tone faster and speech therapy is extremly important. Due to the tounge potruding from their mouth..many times it is difficult for their speech to be understood. I worked with my son to keep his tounge in his mouth and He is 12 years old now and he can speak fairly clearly and he has learned more vocabulary than I could have hoped for. Down's Syndrome children and adults are intelligent people that many people don't give a chance to show them how smart and funny most of them are. My son is in the 5th grade and has made the honor roll this year for the past 2 six weeks. The main things you might need to watch out for with treatments for Down's Syndrome is that many children with the disorder have underlying heart conditions and sight problems. so people need to be extra careful when taking any supplements over the counter without a Doctors approval and under their supervision.

Answer 5

Lots of Love! There is no cure, talk to doctors and therapists to help accomidate their needs in daily tasks. work with the person...

Answer 6

sure there is...it is called social awareness and acceptance of those with DS. I could ramble on, but those ahead of me in answering wrote so eloquently and with experiences of living life with a child that has DS that my sentiments are mirrored in their answers.