Down syndrome-MY NEPTHEW HAS THIS TO ME HE IS JUST A PERSON LIKE ME

What Is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic birth defects. Usually, children born with the condition have some degree of mental retardation, as well as characteristic physical features. Many of these children also have other health problems. Each year in the U.S., approximately one in every 800 to 1,000 newborns has Down syndrome. This results in approximately 5,000 children born with Down syndrome each year. In the U.S. today, Down syndrome affects approximately 350,000 people. As many as 80% of adults with this condition reach age 55, and many live longer. The most common form of Down syndrome is often called "trisomy 21," because individuals with this condition have three copies of the 21st chromosome. What Causes Down Syndrome? Normally, each cell in the human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, which contain the genetic material that determines all our inherited characteristics. We receive half of each chromosome pair from our mother and the other half from our father. Individuals with the most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy 21, have an extra 21st chromosome. No one knows exactly why this chromosomal error occurs, but it does appear to be related to the age of the mother. At age 25, a woman has a one in 1,250 risk for having a child with Down syndrome. The risk increases to one in 952 at age 30, to one in 378 at age 35, to one in 106 at age 40 and one in 35 at age 45. However, 80% of children born with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. This is because most babies, in general, are born to younger women. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant if you have a family history of Down syndrome. WebMD Medical Reference View Article Sources Reviewed by Patricia Quinn, MD on March 09, 2014 © 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. Next Article: Go Children's Health Guide 1Development2Staying Well3First Aid/Pain/Fever4Childhood Illnesses Got Questions About Open Enrollment? LIVE EVENT IN 2 DAYS It's time for health insurance open enrollment for 2015. If you've got questions about the process, join WebMD experts Sarah Goodell and Lisa Zamosky for a live chat Monday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. ET. Set a ReminderSubmit Your QuestionMore Information Close Further Reading: Symptoms of Down Syndrome Understanding Down Syndrome -- Treatment Parenting a child With Down syndrome Down Syndrome-Other Places To Get Help Down Syndrome Helpline Mental Retardation / Down Syndrome Down Syndrome-When To Call a Doctor See All Down Syndrome in Children Topics Top Picks Ebola Vaccine: When Will One Be Ready? Is Hearing Loss Affecting Your Child at School? Get Custom Allergy Alerts & Relief Tips for Kids Tips to Deal With Bedwetting Help Teach Your Kids How to Fall Asleep Preventing Meningitis