World Down Syndrome Day:
Every year since 2006, March 21 is observed as the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)
- Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), New Delhi, celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by organizing a free Webinar open for all, in association with the Down-Syndrome Federation of India.
- Down syndrome is a genetic disorder, caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21also known as trisomy of chromosome 21.
- It is one of the leading causes of genetic disorders around the world.
- Types of Down syndrome: There are three types of Down syndrome.
- Trisomy 21:About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.
- With this type of Down syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies.
- Translocation Down syndrome:This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down syndrome (about 3%).
- This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21.
- Mosaic Down syndrome:Mosaic means mixture or combination. For children with mosaic Down syndrome, some of their cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies of chromosome 21.
- Trisomy 21:About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.
- The primary symptoms of Down’s Syndrome are as follows:
- Mental retardation
- Cognitive impairment may be mild to moderate
- Tilted eyes or Fold of the skin above the eye etc.
- Treatment: Down syndrome is a lifelong condition and it cannot be cured. Early therapy programs can help improve skills.
