What is life expectancy for Down syndrome?

Jul 21, 2021. Over 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. As recently as 1983, a person with Down syndrome lived to be only 25 years old on average. Today, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome is nearly 60 years and continuing to climb.

How old is the oldest Down syndrome person?

RUPERT, Idaho — According to the CDC's most recent statistics, the average lifespan for a Down syndrome patient is 47 years. Rupert resident, Bryce Walker, is 76-years-old and lives with Down syndrome, making him one of the world's oldest surviving Down syndrome patients.

What is the most common cause of death in Down syndrome?

Heart and lung diseases are the leading causes of death for persons with Down syndrome. Pneumonia and infectious lung disease, congenital heart defect (CHD) and circulatory disease (vascular diseases not including CHD or ischaemic heart disease) account for ∼75% of all deaths in persons with Down syndrome.

Does Down syndrome shorten lifespan?

However, with appropriate medical care most children and adults with Down syndrome can lead healthy lives. The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is 60 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies.

Does Down syndrome get worse with age?

Adults with Down syndrome experience “accelerated aging,” meaning they will age faster than the general population. It is expected that adults with Down syndrome will show physical, medical, and cognitive signs of aging much earlier than what is expected for their age.

Down Syndrome Answers: How long does a person with Down syndrome live?

What is the mental age of a person with Down syndrome?

Those with Down syndrome nearly always have physical and intellectual disabilities. As adults, their mental abilities are typically similar to those of an 8- or 9-year-old.

Can a person with Down syndrome have a baby?

Misconception: People who have Down syndrome cannot have children. Reality: It's true that a person with Down syndrome may have significant challenges in rearing a child. But women who have Down syndrome are fertile and can give birth to children.

What gender is Down syndrome most common?

Down syndrome appears to be more common among boys than girls, the study indicates. The condition is also seen more frequently in Hispanic children at birth, though the number of these children appears to level off with that of white children as they age. Black children appear less likely to have Down syndrome.

What are the 3 types of Down syndrome?

Does Down syndrome run in the family?

In almost all cases, Down's syndrome does not run in families. Your chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome increases as you get older, but anyone can have a baby with Down's syndrome.

What are 3 interesting facts about Down syndrome?

Can two people with Down syndrome have a regular baby?

Any couple can have a baby with Down's syndrome, but it is well known that older women are more likely to have a baby with the condition than younger women. There is controversy about the influence of the father's age.

Do people with Down syndrome know they have it?

Most adults with Down syndrome are aware they have Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome live ordinary lives filled with extraordinary needs. You cannot have mild or severe Down syndrome. Either you have it or you do not.

Why do people with Down syndrome have a short lifespan?

Low birth weight, congenital heart defect, black and minority ethnicity, and comorbidities were associated with lower life expectancy and higher mortality rates. Respiratory illness and congenital heart anomalies were the leading causes of death in most studies, and more common than in the general population.

What should you not tell a parent of a Down syndrome child?

The following suggestions are based upon the input of many parents of children with Down syndrome. THINGS NOT TO SAY – These are the things that parents have said really upset or angered them: “I'm sorry” or any form of pity. Pity is not what new parents want or need.

What do adults with Down syndrome struggle with?

As adults with Down syndrome grow older, there is increased risk of experiencing certain common mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and behavioral disturbances. A sudden or abrupt change in mood or behavior patterns warrants further investigation.

What race is Down syndrome most common in?

Results: The odds ratio and population attributable risk of Down syndrome due to maternal age of 35 years or older were highest for Mexican Americans, intermediate for African Americans, and lowest for non-Hispanic Whites.

What country has the most Down syndrome?

These population figures mean that for every 10,000 people there are 5.14 people with Down syndrome. This is similar to other countries like the UK. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 1100 babies born in Australia will have Down syndrome.

Why do all downs look the same?

Why do people with Down syndrome look the same? They have an extra chromosome or part of an extra chromosome. Researchers believe that this extra genetic material affects growth of the maxilla (part of the skull) and the bone, cartilage, and connective tissue in the head, known as the cranial neural crest.

Does father's age affect Down syndrome?

July 1, 2003 -- Older fathers may contribute just as much as older mothers to the dramatic increase in Down syndrome risk faced by babies born to older couples. A new study found that older fathers were responsible for up to 50% of the rise in Down syndrome risk when the mother was also over 40.

Can a person with Down syndrome drive?

Many people with Down Syndrome lead independent lives, this includes being able to drive. If a person with Down syndrome can read and pass a driver's education class and pass a road test, then they can get a driver's license. Each case is independent and must be evaluated.

Is there a cure coming soon for Down syndrome?

Down syndrome cannot be cured. Early treatment programs can help improve skills. They may include speech, physical, occupational, and/or educational therapy. With support and treatment, many people with Down syndrome live happy, productive lives.

How is Down syndrome caused?

Causes and Risk Factors

The extra chromosome 21 leads to the physical features and developmental challenges that can occur among people with Down syndrome. Researchers know that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome, but no one knows for sure why Down syndrome occurs or how many different factors play a role.

How do you discipline someone with Down syndrome?

Children with down syndrome tend to respond to positive behavior techniques rather than discipline. So remember, stay positive and use other tools before resorting to discipline.” while there are many things that experts and professionals can help with, simple daily actions you take at home can also have a huge impact.

Is it hard to raise a child with Down syndrome?

It's common for parents of babies with Down syndrome to experience shock, sadness and fear over the unknowns of raising a child who has intellectual and developmental disabilities. Serious health problems can add to the panic; about half of all children born with Down syndrome have heart defects.