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DOWN SYNDROME

23rd March, 2023

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Context

  • World Down Syndrome Day was observed on March 21.

About World Down Syndrome Day

  • The first World Down Syndrome Day was observed on March 21 in
  • The uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which produces Down syndrome, is symbolised by the choice of the 21st day of March.

History and significance

  • With effect from 2012, the General Assembly decided to observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 every year.
  • To increase public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly invites all Member States, pertinent United Nations agencies, other international organisations, and members of civil society, including non-governmental organisations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate way.
  • Every year, International Down Syndrome Day is marked to increase public understanding of the condition.
  • The UN asks for "full and effective involvement and inclusion in society" in the main principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

Theme

  • "Inclusion Means" is the topic for World Down Syndrome Day this year.

Significance

  • Understanding the importance and reason for observing this day is essential to drawing attention to the condition in a positive light.

What is Down Syndrome and what causes it?

  • In the body, chromosomes are discrete "packages" of genes. They control how a baby's body develops during pregnancy and after birth, determining how it will look and work. A newborn typically has 46 chromosomes (23 Chromosome Pairs). One of these chromosomes, chromosome 21, has an extra copy in infants with Down syndrome.
  • Thus, an extra chromosome causes the disorder known as Down syndrome.
  • Trisomy is the medical word for having an extra copy of a chromosome.
  • Trisomy 21 is another term used to describe Down syndrome.

Impact of Down Syndrome

  • The newborn may experience difficulties with their mental and physical development as a result of this additional copy, which alters how their body and brain grow.
  • Individuals with Down syndrome typically have mild to moderately low IQs (a measure of intelligence) and speak more slowly than other children.

Treatment

  • There's no cure for Down syndrome, but treatment is available to help the child reach their full potential.
  • Treatment focuses on helping your child thrive physically and mentally.
  • Treatment options could include: Physical or occupational therapy.

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Match the following:

1. Turner’s Syndrome                                    a. Trisomy of Chromosome 21.

2. Down’s Syndrome                                     b. Boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome (XXY).

3.  Patau's syndrome                                    c. Female is partially or completely missing an X chromosome.

4. Klinefelter syndrome                                d. Trisomy 13.

A.    1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

B.    1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b

C.    1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b

D.   1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

Answer: B

https://www.ndtv.com/health/world-down-syndrome-day-2023-history-significance-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-condition-3877857