children s health issues
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Prognosis for Down Syndrome
Down syndrome has a better prognosis in comparison to most other disorders caused by an extra chromosome, such as Trisomy 18 or The aging process seems to be accelerated, but most children with Down syndrome survive to adulthood. The average life expectancy is about 60 years, and some affected people live into their 80s. Symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss, further lowering of intellect, and personality changes, may develop at an early age. Heart abnormalities are often treatable with medications or surgery. Heart disease, infections, and leukemia account for most deaths among people with Down syndrome. Research indicates that Black people with Down syndrome have a substantially shorter life span than White people with Down syndrome. This finding may be the result of poor access to medical, educational, and other support services. 