Down syndrome which is caused by the trisomy of the 21st chromosome affects about 01 in 1000 births. Even though this condition can be seen more in mothers who are above normal child-bearing age limits, there are exceptions to the rule. The majority of affected individuals will maintain a relatively normal lifestyle and will even be employed. However, there are some medical conditions that can be seen more in people with Down syndrome. The dangerous factor is that these conditions can be hard to spot in an affected individual and that the doctor may relate it to the syndrome itself as opposed to a new and developing condition because of their impaired ability to express themselves.
Heart Disease
Some common examples of cardiac disease that can be seen in grown-ups with Down syndrome are Mitral valve prolapse and valvular regurgitation. There can also be a malfunction in the valves of the heart in grown-ups. For conditions like these, it is best if the affected individual is looked after by accredited disability services Melbourne providers mostly because they are always ready to attend to any emergency situation. They are also quite familiar with the symptoms that may present before the full onset of the condition, which you might miss if you are looking after them at home, because you might not have the same level of expertise.
Sleep Apnea
This condition is prevalent in at least 50 percent of the total population of grown-ups affected by Down syndrome. The disease has been linked with obesity, but there is also no direct correlation between the two. However, the structures in the body of a Down syndrome patient could be different to that of the regular individual which could be a cause of this. You will be able to notice various precursors such as depression, irritability, behavioral changes which are easily visible and a certain level of paranoia. Caring after an individual with sleep apnea requires a high level of disability care that is available at all times of the day.
Loss of hearing
There can be conductive or sensory related hearing losses which are rather common in persons who have Down syndrome. However, the symptoms of this condition can only often be seen in grown-ups. Individuals with Down syndrome often lack advanced communication skills and therefore may not be able to indicate that they are unable to hear. Another risk is that this condition could bring about further speech impairment and most people will misunderstand them to be stubborn because they do not react to anything, whereas in reality, they just cannot hear. Cases of delirium have also been reported because of hearing loss and doctors suggest carrying out a hearing test once every two years to be on the safe side. Have you tried teaching somebody who is differently abled?