Monday, January 29, 2007

Aging and Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome are children with 47 chromosomes as compared to 46 chromosomes.As a result they have a slow mentation and slower developmental process.Many studies have shown a short life expectancy for these children.With today's technology many of them survive to adulthood,some of them living till their 60's. Down's children living beyond age of 40's are likely to develop Alzheimer's disease,aging process which occurs early in these children.They are also found to be deficient in many nutrients and enzymes. Overactivity of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase is considered to be one of the factors for an early aging process in children with Down's.
Nutritional supplementation with vitamins and minerals haven't proven beneficial in the reduction of mental retardation or changes in aging process.However few nutrients added to diet may prove beneficial.
useful link
http://www.he.net/~altonweb/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm?page=nutrition.html

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