We may typically discuss how having Down syndrome looks like during the early years of development of a child. The signs, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as management of such a condition have all revolved about that of children. For instance, you can easily tell the difference between having a monthly visit to your local dental clinic if you have a regular kid versus one with this genetic condition. However, has anybody been curious about how it is like to grow with Down syndrome in adulthood?
Down Syndrome: Through the Years
Patients rely on primary care doctors throughout their life to give medical treatment to patients with Down’s syndrome. The lack of familiarity with this genetic disorder may impact the quality of such care. Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society have stressed the importance of awareness regarding this condition. They even made guidelines as to how we can help our friends and family members with this condition to cope and manage their intellectual disabilities.
Down syndrome, often known as trisomy 21, is incurable. However, any health issues that arise may be managed, and there are several services available to assist children and their families. Some children may still need extra protection while growing up. Others even seek help from experts with regard to their development and well-being.
Adults with Down Syndrome
Adults with Down syndrome were not previously afforded the opportunity, limiting their life expectancy. An individual with Down syndrome was predicted to survive for less than ten years in the early 1900s. Many patients with the hereditary disease live well into their 50s and 60s nowadays.
People with a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome, like any other group of individuals, have a variety of requirements, talents, and ambitions. Many will want to know how to drive, make friends, and live within their own means (almost independently) for most of their lives. Others will require support services and more daily assistance, although they might be able to work part-time and engage in significant social activities.
For instance, if they need to book an appointment with their dentists or family physicians, they would want to do it on their own as much as possible. We just need to make sure that they can access needed resources for their activities to stay safe and organized.
Down Syndrome: Health Problems they Need to Face
Throughout adulthood and into older age, patients may experience medical concerns that are typical in people with Down syndrome. These age-related health problems are concerns to keep an eye on over time and make sure a doctor or other health care practitioners and family physicians are monitoring them. Here are some of the things we need to watch out for.
Sensory Loss
Your doctor may mention how common visual and hearing impairment are in people with Down syndrome. Adults growing up with Down syndrome may develop visual disturbances like cataracts and keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea). You would need to assist a person with Down syndrome to consult an ophthalmologist to gain an understanding of the treatment and management of these conditions.
Many people with Down syndrome also have a higher risk of having earwax impaction, leading to hearing loss. Regular screening with an ENT specialist and audiologist can help.
Hypothyroidism
Adults with Down syndrome are more likely to have thyroid disorders. They can reduce productivity, restlessness, intellectual lethargy, weight changes, and agitation. Doctors discover thyroid impairment disease control with a simple blood test administered by a general practitioner, and treatment typically entails taking thyroid medication to control aberrant hormone levels.
Sleep Apnea
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk to develop obstructive sleep apnea, causing them to have a poor quality of sleep. They may have issues with snoring, grinding teeth, lethargy in the morning, and fatigue. In cases where a patient’s dental health gets affected, Our Dental Care Drummoyne can handle such issues and suggest management using CPAP and mouthguard.
Alzheimer’s disease
Adults with Down syndrome have higher risk factors or are more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease compared to the overall population. It is critical to be aware of this. The link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease becomes quite strong. So doctors can carry out adequate surveillance to search for symptoms or indicators of the disease.
Management of Medical Risk Factors
As people get older, they frequently see a variety of doctors and experts. Doctors find it typical to engage in prescription drugs for a single patient. They should have better communication with one another.
It is critical to be proactive in the management of medical disorders. Make sure that both prescribed and over-the-counter meds are constantly updated on your treatment plan. This goes as well as their dosages, intervals, and frequencies.
References:
Down Syndrome.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/down-syndrome.html
Aging and Down Syndrome.
https://www.ndss.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Aging-and-Down-Syndrome.pdf
Tips for Adults Who have Down Syndrome.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tips-adults-down-syndrome
