Staying informed and proactive is key. Just as a smoker isn’t guaranteed to develop lung cancer, not every person with Down syndrome will face certain health issues. Many live their lives without encountering these additional health complications.
However, Michelle Sie Whitten, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Global Down Syndrome Foundation in Denver emphasizes the importance of knowing what potential health challenges you might face to help you catch and address any issues that may pop up along the way. This proactive stance isn’t just a checklist; it’s a recipe for a healthy and fulfilling life.
The good news is, that the life span of those with Down syndrome which was once just 20 years has expanded to 60 years, according to Dr. Kishore Vellody, the medical director at the Down Syndrome Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. That’s a game-changer, considering the overall life expectancy for Americans is 76.1 years.
Now, let’s talk about seven health issues you should keep on your radar:
1. Heart Defects
Heart defects are the number one complication for those living with Down syndrome. Nearly half of those with Down syndrome may be born with heart defects.
It could be a minor hiccup or a more serious matter, but don’t worry, doctors screen every baby born with Down syndrome using an ultrasound test called an echocardiogram.
2. Alzheimer’s Disease
The extra genetic material can that people with Down syndrome are born with can alter brain cell function, putting individuals at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
About half of people with Down syndrome develop dementia as they age. Those with Down syndrome usually develop