What is the current treatment 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 much does Down syndrome treatment cost?

We report health care cost data throughout childhood and adolescence for Down syndrome. The total mean annual cost of medical care was $4,209 across age groups with a median cost of $1,701.

What is the life expectancy for Down syndrome?

What is the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome? The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increased dramatically between 1960 and 2007. In 1960, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 10 years old. In 2007, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 47 years old.

Is there any gene therapy for Down syndrome?

New Genetic Therapy Could Erase Down Syndrome : NPR. New Genetic Therapy Could Erase Down Syndrome The journal Nature reports that researchers may have found a way to correct the chromosome defect that causes Down syndrome, though it will be years before it could be used as a therapy.

Is having a child with Down syndrome expensive?

Researchers found that average monthly out-of-pocket medical costs are about $80 more for children with Down syndrome compared to other kids. That adds up to about $18,000 over the first 18 years of life, the study authors said.

How expensive is a Down syndrome child?

The study compared both out-of-pocket and insurance-covered costs for children with Down syndrome and matched peers without Down syndrome and found that, over the first 18 years, the additional medical costs of having a child with Down syndrome averaged $18,248 for families and $230,043 for insurers.

Why is Down syndrome not curable?

Because Down syndrome is the result of a genetic anomaly, a cure is not possible at this time. While stories occasionally pop up about alleged gene therapy providing a cure, research is typically focused on addressing specific health concerns associated with Down syndrome.

When to start physical therapy for children with Down syndrome?

Rolls to prone 7 months 5-9 months 7 months Sits unsupported 10 months 8-11 months 7 months Crawls 14 months 9-19 months 8 months Pulls to Stand 15 months 8-26 months 8 months Stands Alone 18 months 12-38 months 11 months Walks Alone 23 months 13-48 months 12 months Runs 4 years NA 1 ½ years Jumps 4-5 years NA 2 years

How are people with Down syndrome treated at home?

Treatments are based on each individual’s physical and intellectual needs as well as his or her personal strengths and limitations. People with Down syndrome can receive proper care while living at home and in the community.

How is hypothyroidism treated with Down syndrome?

People with hypothyroidism—with or without the additional diagnosis of Down syndrome—usually take a synthetic form of the hormone (levothyroxine) by mouth to manage the condition. Because Down syndrome can cause a variety of health conditions at once, many of those who have it also have a number of different doctors and specialists.

Are there any medications for people with Down syndrome?

No controlled clinical studies of these medications for Down syndrome have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, however. Many studies of drugs to treat symptoms of dementia in Down syndrome have included only a few participants. The results of these studies have not shown clear benefits of these drugs, either.