Down's syndrome (also known as trisomy 21) is a disorder of chromosomes that results in an extra chromosome in position 21. A person normally has 23 pairs of chromosomes that code his genetics; chromosomal abnormalities can involve the number of chromosomes the size or appearance of certain chromosomes, or the arrangement
(even abnormal attachment) of parts of one chromosome to another.

Down's syndrome generally results in mental retardation and physical abnormalities when it occurs. Down's syndrome is not uncommon - it occurs in almost one of 700 newborns, and the risk increases with increased maternal age. Obstetrics and gynecology studies show that the risk of having a child with Down's may be as high as one in 30 at the age of 45. Paternal genetics also enters into the equation - in up to 30 percent of cases the father is responsible for contributing the extra chromosome.

In Down's syndrome, both physical and mental development is delayed. Down's syndrome babies tend to be quiet, don't cry a lot, and have diminished muscle tone. Most Down's syndrome children have IQs below 70, but there is a wide spectrum between mild and severe retardation that can occur. In some cases the retardation is mild enough to allow independent living as an adult.

Most Down's syndrome children and adults have a characteristic appearance. Their heads are on the small side, and the face is broad and flat, with slanting eyes and a short nose. The tongue is often large and prominent. The ears are small and set low on the face. Their hands are broad and short, with a large single crease across the palm. The fingers are short, with the fifth finger very small. About 35 percent of children with Down's have heart defects.

Maybe the hardest part in individuals with Down's is a predisposition to dementia and Alzheimer's-like changes in their thirties. Most Down's children and adults are exceptionally kind, gentle individuals but are betrayed with memory loss, further lowering of limited intellectual skills, and personality changes that are more impulsive and make them difficult to manage.

Insurance for adults with Down's syndrome is limited. Generally children must survive their teens to be considered. They must be capable of self-care and, of course, there must be proper insurable interest for the policy to be carried out. The affected adults must have good muscle tone, have no other impairments or disorders, and have any cardiac defects fully corrected surgically with good follow-up. The adults whose intellectual capacity is closet to normal are the most insurable, but will also be highly rated due to the increased incidences of leukemia, dementia, and accidents that do go along with the condition.

The information contained on this page is not intended to provide medical advice, which should be obtained directly from your physician.