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Life Expectancy Increases for Individuals
with Down Syndrome
By: Jenni Von Tobel
In 1929, individuals with Down Syndrome lived
to an average age of 9 years old. 9 years old. That is unbelievable!
Today in 2005, the life expectancy is 55 years old with many living
into their seventies. So what caused the dramatic change? Are
individuals with Down Syndrome being born healthier? No, in fact
it is society that has grown into a healthier outlook of these
individuals. Institutions were the norm in the 20’s and
30’s for anyone who was considered disabled mentally or
physically. Medical treatment was minimal - either not available
or not offered to this population. Even though about 50% of individuals
born with Down Syndrome have a congenital heart defect, they rarely
received the proper treatment. The defect can typically be fixed
through a relatively simple operation. 40 years ago, however,
individuals with Down Syndrome were at the bottom of the list
for cardiac surgery. Nowadays, all children born with Down Syndrome
have an echo-cardiogram before they ever leave the hospital. This
informs both parent and doctor of the first steps in treating
any heart maladies. Heart conditions are not the only medical
issues that are being proactively treated. Gastrointestinal problems,
pneumonia susceptibility, hearing impairments and more are identified
early and treated accordingly.
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Expectancy Increases for Individuals with Down Syndrome |
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[ Down Syndrome Articles
]
Perhaps as important, if not more important than
the medical treatment, is the social change surrounding individuals
with Down Syndrome. Home environments have replaced institutions.
Educational supports have replaced indifference. Love has replaced
fear. These changes have had a dramatic effect on the entire Down
Syndrome population; it has added an average of 46 years to their
lives! The quality of these lives has increased dramatically as
well. Individuals with Down Syndrome are typically moderately
to profoundly retarded. With early and intense intervention, these
children can learn a great deal and, just like the rest of the
population, they continue to learn throughout their lives. There
are social, recreational, educational, medical, spiritual, and
other opportunities that allow individuals with Down Syndrome
to develop and maintain relationships as well as becoming a part
of society. With family, friends, and teachers behind them, the
limitations placed on these individuals continue to be lifted.
From their life expectancy to their rights, individuals with Down
Syndrome are constantly pushing the limitations placed on them.
They are more able than they are disabled and they are more alike
than they are different from any of us. This simple realization
from society has had a profound effect on individuals with Down
Syndrome – life expectancy is merely one example of the
positive change a societal shift in perspective can have.
References:
1. NICHD. (2005). Facts About Down Syndrome. Retrieved 12/28/05
from www.nichd.nih.gov
2. March of Dimes. (2004). Down Syndrome. Retrieved on 12/30/05
from www.marchofdimes.com/professionals.
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