Nick's+Disability+Research

__Down Syndrome__ __Causes:__ Down Syndrome is a condition caused by a discrepancy in the number of chromosomes (usually having 47 instead of the normal 46), and most commonly occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. The condition develops before birth, however symptoms are rarely noticed before the age of 4 or 5.

__Symptoms:__ There are both mental and physical symptoms with this condition. Physical conditions include a distinctly shaped head, low muscle tone at birth amongst various others. It is also highly common for victims to develop eye problems necessitating the use of glasses or hearing problems. The condition is better known for its devastating mental effects. These include slow learning, impulsive behavior, poor judgment and a short attention span. Victims may also suffer from dementia and other complications.

__Treatment__ As it is caused by problems with chromosomes there is no cure for Down syndrome. Instead treatment for victims concentrates mainly on preventing the diseases to which the patients are particularly susceptible to such as heart disease and cancers. Patients with Down Syndrome have to attend regular general checkups to prevent illnesses and diseases which to healthy people would not be life threatening but are in those with down syndrome as a result of their weakened immune system.