is there a mild down sydrome?

Answer 1

No. Downs syndrome is a disorder of chromosomes which is either there or isn't, there's no degree. Some Down's people have greater restrictions on their abilities than others, but they will always have learning difficulties;

Answer 2

Hi, interesting question.

I'm afraid some of the other answers aren't quite correct.

Down syndrome is a recognised pattern of characteristics linked with having an extra chromosome. Most people have two copies of chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome have "Trisomy 21" - i.e. 3 copies.

When sex cells divide (i.e. the cells that will be present in sperm or eggs), they should only have one copy of each chromosome so that they can join up and make one complete cell with two copies of everything (apart from the sex-determining chromosomes).

When the sex cells split, one copy of each chromosome should go into one cell, and one into the other cell. If the copies of chromosome don't split, they both go into the same cell. If this cell then goes on to meet an egg or sperm which has ANOTHER copy of the chromosome, there will be 3 copies in the resulting baby.

There is another way this can happen (called Robertsonian translocation) but it's a bit more complicated.

However, what you need to know about is something called MOSAICISM.

Mosaicism in Down syndrome is where some of your cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, and some have the normal number - 2. Because only some of the cells are abnormal, the disease is often much milder.

So, the answer is - Yes.

Supe

Answer 3

No it's a chromosonal disorder. Either theres an extra chromosone or there isn't.
However people with down syndrome have different levels of retardation, but that is just the same as normal people having different intelligence levels.
Also they suffer with different complications, heart complications, clubfoot, hearing problems and others. The basic disorder is the same though.

Answer 4

yes my aunt had a mild case of down syndrome, she was intelligent enough to hold down a small job, lived in her own apartment, could tell time, cook, read some books even helped take care of her mother when she got ill. Of course she could not drive she had to rely on public transportation to work. But she done very well in the world despite having down syndrome, sorry to say she passed away at the age of 52 of Alzheimer's.

Answer 5

Its an extra chromosone, and its either there or not. With input a child kept at home can learn alot, in the old days when they were put into institutions they were not taught much and neglected (educationally ) it seemed they could not learn much. There are even actors with DS now.

Answer 6

Yes - the expression of the genetic defect varies greatly. Some Down babies are born with lots of birth defects, such as club feet and serious heart malformations, and some have only mild symptoms and are physically in good shape.