• Question: What is Down's syndrome?

    Asked by kingfishers30 to Alex, Kate, Marcus on 26 Jun 2014.
    • Photo: Marcus Johns

      Marcus Johns answered on 26 Jun 2014:

      Down’s syndrome is a disease caused by an extra chromosome being present in the cells of the person. A chromosome is a piece of DNA and we usually have 20 pieces in all of our cells that make us the person that we are. A person with Down’s syndrome has 21 pieces which causes problems. As of yet, no-one knows why this happens or how to cure it.

    • Photo: Alex Lyness

      Alex Lyness answered on 27 Jun 2014:

      Hey kingfisher30,

      Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes learning disability and different physical features. It is really unusual in that it affects people of all races, religions and economic backgrounds equally. Around 750 babies are born in the UK each year with the disease.

      Kids with Down’s syndrome can still learn and develop social skills, it just takes more time, and a people should allow for that.

      Marcus have given a good explanation of the reason people have Down’s Syndrome and until we understand it more scientists/engineers/doctors are not able to cure it 🙁

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