Down's Syndrome

Description

Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality (an extra chromosome) producing the characteristic facial features of its former name: “Mongolism” along with mental retardation. This name, of course, is now “politically incorrect”.

Causes

Affected individuals have an extra number 21 chromosome, instead of 23 pairs giving a total of 47 instead of 46. Another name for this disorder is “Trisomy 21”.

The incidence increases sharply from 1:650 to 1:40 with advancing age of the mother, so a defect in egg formation appears to be involved. Amniocentesis is usually recommended in this age group.

Signs & Symptoms

Besides the “mongoloid” appearance which is identifiable at birth, and mental retardation (an IQ range between 30 and 80), the Down’s child is also more likely to have other morbid conditions, involving the neck, heart and intestinal tract.

The mental retardation may be further complicated by deafness and the characteristic large tongue compounds speech difficulties.

All in all some progress in longevity has been made, so that more children survive into early middle age.

Nutritional Supplements

Structure & Function: Nutrients for Brain Support

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General Supplements
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Amino Acid Complex**
CoQ10	10 mg
EPO*
Garlic*
Kelp*
Lecithin	2,400 mg capsules
Vitamin B Complex*
Vitamin C	3,000 mg
Vitamin E	400 IU
Zinc	50 mg

*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.

** Free Form Amino Acids are preferred

Note 1: Liquid or spray forms are recommended because of difficulty in swallowing.

Note 2: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.

Dietary Considerations

A balanced, wholesome diet is important. Vegetable protein and whole grains are emphasized.

This approach, together with supplements, originated with Dr. Henry Turkel in the 1950s but trials are still being undertaken to establish its validity, scientifically.

Homeopathic Remedy

Chamomilla tinct.
Dulcamara
Natrum carbonicum
Natrum Muriaticum

Treatment Schedule

Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).

This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.

Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.

Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.

Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.

Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.

If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.

References

Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.

Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.

Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.

Herbal Approaches

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Herbs
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Chlorella
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba

Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

Essential oils are deemed to play an important role, partly from the child being given the opportunity to select his/her own fragrance.

Everyday essences would form a good selection from which to choose, including:

Lemon Essence,	Orange Essence,
Spearmint Essence.

Related Health Conditions

Childhood Diseases
Wry Neck

Abstracts

References

Iles RK: Urinary analysis for Down’s syndrome: is the measurement of urinary beta-core the future of biochemical screening for Down’s syndrome. Early Hum Dev, 47 Suppl:S41-5, 1996 Dec 30.

Luke A et al: Energy expenditure in children with Down syndrome: correcting metabolic rate for movement. J Pediatr Vol. 125 no. 5 Pt 1 pp. 829-38.

McKeown DA et al., Olfactory function in young adolescents with Down’s syndrome. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 61:412-4, 1996 Oct.

Murphy C & Jinich S: Olfactory dysfunction in Down’s Syndrome. Neurobiol Aging, 17:631-7, 1996 Jul-Aug.

Murray, M.T. & Pizzorno, J.E.: An Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Pbng, Rocklin, CA.

Pietrini P et al., Low glucose metabolism during brain stimulation in older Down’s syndrome subjects at risk for Alzheimer’s disease prior to dementia. Am J Psychiatry, 154:1063-9, 1997 Aug.

Proesmans W et al: A toddler with Down syndrome, hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, medullary nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. Pediatr Nephrol Vol. 9 no. 1 pp. 112-4; discussion 115-6.

Reichelt et al: Increased levels of antibodies to food proteins in Down syndrome. Acta Paediatr Jpn Vol. 36 no. 5 pp. 489-92

Rooney S & Walsh E: Prevalence of abnormal thyroid function tests in a Down’s syndrome population. Ir J Med Sci, 166:80-2, 1997 Apr-Jun.

Spender-Q: Impaired oral-motor function in children with Down's syndrome: a study of three twin pairs. European-Journal-of-Disorders-of-Communication 1995; 30(1): 77-87 (28 ref).

Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Keats Pbng. New Canaan, CT.

Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Third Line Press, Tarzana, CA. Second Edition.

Wyllie JP et al., Strategies for antenatal detection of Down’s syndrome. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed, 76:F26-30, 1997 Jan.