Medications as Treatment for Down Syndrome
Medications can be used to treat certain conditions that occur in someone with
Down syndrome. At this point, there is no medicine that will cure Down syndrome.
Surgical Treatment for Down Syndrome
Some medical conditions seen in patients with Down syndrome require surgery. For example, approximately half of the children with Down syndrome have congenital
heart disease and associated early onset of pulmonary
hypertension (
high blood pressure in the lungs).
Common congenital heart problems include:
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Persistent ductus arteriosus
- Atrial septal defect
- Ventricular septal defect.
If the heart defects have been identified before the onset of pulmonary hypertension, surgery has provided favorable results.
Furthermore,
cataracts occur in approximately 3 percent of children with Down syndrome. Cataracts can generally be removed surgically (s
ee Cataract Surgery).
Treatment for Down Syndrome: Counseling and Support
Counseling for parents and people with Down syndrome at different stages of development has been shown to be beneficial. Learning as much as possible about Down syndrome and possible problems is also important. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team can answer questions about treatments for Down syndrome.
Patients and their families often find they need help coping with the emotional and practical aspects of Down syndrome. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful for those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns.
Down syndrome support groups can also help. In support groups, patients and their family members get together to share what they have learned about coping with the disease. Patients may want to talk with a member of their healthcare team about finding a Down syndrome support group. These groups can offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet.
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