antibiotics that number increased to 20. Down syndrome patients today have a life expectancy of approximately fifty-five years. Adults with Down syndrome are at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. Whereas approximately 6% of the general population will develop the disease, the figure is about 25% for people with Down syndrome. Many individuals with Down syndrome have the changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's, but do not necessarily develop the clinical disorder. For a person who has Down syndrome life is extremely different than an average person. One of the biggest misconceptions of a person diagnosed with Down syndrome is that they are severely retarded. Although most people with Down syndrome suffer from some form of mental retardation most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate range of retardation and is not an indicator of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Children with Down syndrome learn to sit, walk, talk, play toilet train and do most other activities--only somewhat later than their peers without Down syndrome. Because speech is often delayed, careful attention is paid to the child's hearing, as retention of fluid in the inner ear is a very common cause of hearing and speech difficulties. Early intervention services, which begin shortly after birth, help children with Down syndrome develop to their full potential. Quality educational programs, along with a stimulating home environment and good medical care enable people with Down syndrome to become contributing members of their families and communities. This is tremendous progress, since before Down syndrome was understood most children with Down syndrome were institutionalized and excluded from society. People with Down syndrome are highly responsive to their physical and social environment. Those who receive good medical care and are included in the activitiesof the community can be expected t...
