The Management of Down Syndrome

Abstract

Down syndrome occurs when individuals experience abnormal cell division, resulting in a partial or complete copy of chromosome 21. Persons with Down syndrome have short necks, protruding tongues, poor muscle tones, flattened faces, and excessive flexibility. The genetic disorder affects approximately 400,000 adults and children in the United States. Unmanaged Down syndrome leads to serious health complications like ear infections, eye diseases, heart defects, hearing loss, seizures, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea. The literature review completes a comprehensive analysis of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for managing Down syndrome to protect individuals from adverse complications. Specifically, the report examines the benefits of medications, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, and galantamine, in managing Down syndrome associated with dementia. They review the impact of non-pharmacological methods, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, assistive technologies, and surgeries, on managing Down syndrome. The collection of data for the literature review is based on secondary research. Particularly, the researcher collected and applied data from peer-reviewed journals, e-books, or agencies reports published between 2011 and 2021. The literature review has specific gaps as the peer-reviewed articles did not provide information on particular surgeries for managing complications of Down syndrome, the accurate dosage of medications for adults and children, and the side effects of pharmacological methods. Although the literature has gaps, patients and clinicians should apply the discussed pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for managing Down syndrome. The clinical significance of the literature review is to: • Facilitate the early intervention and management of Down syndrome. • Reduce the adverse complications of Down syndrome in children and adults. • Enhance knowledge and awareness of Down syndrome and its evidence-based management approaches among clinicians, vulnerable persons, and community members. • Increase the safety and clinical outcomes of individuals with Down syndrome.