Down Syndrome Challenges And Management Strategies; The Preventive Approach
C M Ugwuegede Ph.D
Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, ESUT, Enugu
B N Ngene M.Sc
Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, ESUT, Enugu
S N Okoli M.Sc
Department of Human Kinetics & Health Education, ESUT, Enugu
Keywords: Down syndrome, Management, Prevention
Abstract
Down syndrome constitutes one of the congenital genetic challenges affecting human being globally. Although not recognized as an illness but substantially affect a person’s physical and intellectual capabilities and also could increase the likelihood of some health problems and over all development hence the need to explore ways and means of assisting individuals living with it. The identified cause of the condition is believed to have strong link with chromosomal defect resulting in conditions such as intellectual disability, heart problems, auditory and visual problems, gastrointestinal problems and other conditions such as autism, Alzheimer diseases and thyroid abnormalities. The physical characteristics of Down syndrome include: flabby muscles, slant eyes, skin folds and white spots on the iris, small stature with short neck, protruding tongue, flat nasal bridge and large space between the large and second toe. Besides, Down syndrome patients present other physical and psychological problems with its attendant consequences. The reported preventive management strategies include; dietary intervention through supplementations, regular exercise participation targeting cardiovascular efficiency and other alternative approaches. Conclusively, Down syndrome is a genetic defect and patients could be assisted with the identified management strategies to assist the individual function effectively within the limit of his or her capabilities. It is recommended among others that a survey be carried out immediately to ascertain the incidence ratio in Nigeria while government through the ministry of health should come up with a comprehensive health policy for special people targeting Down syndrome patients.