peas!
2007-06-21 12:34:41 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
The average lifespan of people with Down syndrome has gone way up recently. In 1983, it was 25. Today it's 49. That's partly because fewer die in childhood because of better medical care. Children dying really brings the average down because they're so young. But it's likely that the people with DS alive now, like your daughter, will live even longer than age 49. We don't know yet because they haven't died so we can't measure their lifespans. Plus medical care is likely to get even better. If your daughter is healthy there's no reason to think she won't live somewhere close to a normal lifespan.
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/genetics/dn2073
2007-06-22 16:01:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that there is any easy answer. If you are taking her for all of her medical checks - and if the docs include a cardiologist - then they can give you more information.
I managed a group home for a couple of years and one of my residents was a woman with Downs Syndrome who turned 60 that year. With the advances in diagnostics and in care for persons with disabilities, your daughter has a much better chance for long term survival.
My dad had two first cousins with Downs Syndrome - both only lived into their mid thirties, but both were severely retarded and neither ever had quality medical care - that just wasn't done back in the 50's and 60's.
Your daughter is higher functioning and has better health care - as long as she is diligent and you help her learn to be diligent about her health, there will be no stopping her.
She sounds like she is the light of your life!
2007-06-21 19:42:36 · answer #2 · answered by yarn whore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a good site with lots of info. http://www.ds-health.com/faq.htm
He says the best predictor of longevity in persons with DS is "self help skills." He also says it's hard to predict because there are so many advances in medical science that life expectancy is changing for everyone all the time.
I think the best answer is that given by the gypsy fortune teller when a man asked how long he would live. She said, "You will live until you have seen a thousand wonders."
I think that answer could apply to anyone, DS or not.
2007-06-21 19:56:04 · answer #3 · answered by Lleh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, like everybody else said, we couldn't answer this better than the doctor, but here's my answer
I have a brother w/ D.S , he's now 27 y.o , he's the cutest kid ever.
When he was born, the doctors told my mom, he had 30 days to live, and if a miracle happened and he lasted more than those days, they said he would never be able to do anything.
But, God heard all prayers, and now he's here w/ us, 27 y.o healthy, happy and verrrrryyyy smart.
He won a competition 3 years ago (art competition) he was in 4th and won $1000.00. He was so happy.
So, don't worry, I'm sure God's going to give your beautiful daughter many many years to live, she's like all of us, but with one difference......
She's much more special than us, she's an angel, just like my brother and everyone of them.
God Bless you and your family.
2007-06-21 19:48:36 · answer #4 · answered by curious 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
many people with down syndrome live very happy, healthy lives. How long she lives depends on the advancements of modern medicine. 40-50 would be my best guess, although it could be longer. I don't know.
2007-06-21 19:38:12 · answer #5 · answered by Cookie Babe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you love her ? Then help her to succeed as a cheerleader or what ever she wants to do. Concern yourself with how to make her happy, not how long the happiness will last.
P.s. Medically speaking, no one knows her lifespan. Happiness does go a long way to lengthen it.
2007-06-21 19:42:28 · answer #6 · answered by good question 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends..... But, I have a friend who is well into his 40s, he has Down, so your daughter could have a long life ahead of her.
2007-06-21 19:44:20 · answer #7 · answered by eilishaa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can live just as long as any normal person. It sounds like she is doing great and will be with you for many many years to come.
2007-06-21 19:37:58 · answer #8 · answered by Chrissy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think anyone could answer that...But your doctor would be the best to talk to about...Well it sounds like she is doing good and enjoying life that means a lot....
2007-06-21 19:38:40 · answer #9 · answered by abbs 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it just depends...but we have a patient in our dental practice who has downs syndrome and he just celebrated his 36th birthday.. I hope that helps.
2007-06-21 19:40:18 · answer #10 · answered by lila_tran 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋