What is Down syndrome?
Jul 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Down syndrome is a common chromosomal abnormality disorder. Currently, there is no specific therapy available to cure Down syndrome. Conventional treatment mainly involves long-term education and training provided collaboratively by medical staff and parents, aiming to improve the child's quality of life and mastery of basic skills in daily living and learning as much as possible.
Generally speaking, Down syndrome is a common chromosomal abnormality disorder. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Down syndrome occurs due to abnormalities in the 21st pair of chromosomes in a child's body during cellular meiosis, such as trisomy or translocation, which leads to abnormal gene expression and subsequently causes a series of severe physical and psychological developmental disorders. This condition may be triggered by advanced maternal age, genetic factors, or exposure to teratogenic substances in the environment. Among these, advanced maternal age is a significant risk factor for the condition.
Children with Down syndrome generally have low intelligence levels, with IQs mostly between 20 and 50, showing obvious cognitive and learning difficulties. As they age, the intellectual deficits become increasingly apparent. Some patients may begin to experience cognitive decline around the age of 30.
Currently, there is no specific therapy available to cure Down syndrome. Conventional treatment mainly involves long-term education and training provided collaboratively by medical staff and parents, aiming to improve the child's quality of life and mastery of basic life and learning skills as much as possible.
