what is the treatment for down syndrome?

Question

plz help

Answer 1

As you know, there is no cure for this genetic disorder (three genes at chromosome 21) that causes some degree of mental retardation but also normally other problems, such as heart and intestinal issues, which are common.

Treatment for the issues surrounding Down's children are outlined at:

http://children.webmd.com/tc/down-syndrome-treatment-overview

Also Stanford U is doing research in the area:
http://dsresearch.stanford.edu/about.html
Because there is an extra copy of the gene, they believe if they can find a way to "tone down" the extra, they can alleviate many of the symptoms of the disorder.

Years ago parents of these children were told to institutionalize them and let them die. In countries such as the Netherlands, they are still regarded as defective, and quite a few are "euthanized." For parents who don't accept this approach (or the tens of thousands of couples wanting to adopt specifically Down's kids), taking them home, loving them, addressing the additional symptoms, providing excellent nutrition, etc. has resulted in the lifespan improving and more Down's people being higher functioning than years ago.

You might want to check out this site as well:
http://www.ndss.org/

I have heard of people trying certain nutritional and medical approaches and claiming the child does extremely well. Others have called those treatments into question. Who knows for sure? If you're interested in those, I'd get the anecdotal evidence straight from parents of Down's kids who've tried it and see what, if any, bad things seemed to occur. Then discuss the ideas with your child's doctor and decide what to do.

God bless.

Answer 2

If you are asking for a cure for down syndrome- to take it away there is nothing. However, if you are asking what treatment is used for people with down syndrome then there are lots of different therapies and treatments. First of all, early intervention is very helpful. My daughter started at 5 weeks old. She gets Occupational therapy (fine motor, oral motor and play therapy), Physical Therapy (gross motor), and speech therapy. She also attends a water therapy to help with large muscle groups with out gravity. She likes music therapy and dance class which also help her with coordination and gross motor. She attends a special preschool 5 days a week for 3 hours a day where she learns typical preschool curriculum. Some people use a vitamin therapy which they believe helps boost their immune system and soften phyiscal characteristics of ds. Besides therapies, there are lots of medical procedures that help our kids stay healthy so they can be better prepared to learn and live.

Just one more comment- Down syndrome just happens. It is not because our kids are left without oxygen, or the mother or father has done something wrong. In most cases it is just a fluke- when an extra 21st chromosome attaches to the two already there.

Answer 3

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 4

Your question is slightly off the mark & shows that you, like many others don't understand down syndrome.

Its not any kind of illness or a medical problem which can be done away with the treatment. Its a SYNDROME which was 1st studied by a British doctor Dr.John Langdon Down after whose name its termed as Downs Syndrome.

Its a genetic disorder which cannot be altered, kids with DS are born with an extra gene material in their 21st chromosome hence that alters their brain to function differently. They are not retarded mentally (in spite of popular belief), just for our convenience we use that term.

Their logical side of the brain does not function the same as normal human with 23 pairs of chromosomes, where as their (illogic side) emotional side of the brain becomes very functional hence they are quite emotional people whose logic development requires different methodology & can never develop same as normal logic mind due to the extra gene material.

In spite of such genetic & physical short comings these people can do really well & excel specially in arts, music, drama or any such field where emotions are required to drive the passion.

They are very happy going people, always cheerful, their mind mostly sees the positive side of the world & they can contribute a lot to this present world only if we "Normal" people can understand who they are & what they are & how they function.

If you have asked this question bcoz you are dealing with such person then I would suggest that you invest some time understanding them & you will be able to deal with them quite easily with alternative methods.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

There is no treatment for Downs Syndrome.

A Downs child is born with the condition that is caused by lack of oxygen to the baby's brain late in pregnancy or during birth.

However, folks afflicted with Downs Syndrome are usually really wonderful, friendly people, and need all of the love and support you can spare.

Answer 6

lots of love and attention, with some patients thrown in for good luck. you will never find a child that loves you more uncondtionally than a downs child.

Answer 7

There isn't any. Sometimes its severe sometimes it barely is at all. Just treat the kid nice and be understanding.

Answer 8

There is no treatment.

Answer 9

The deep-end of a swimming pool?

Answer 10

treatment? none.