About Down Syndrome - Free Essay Example

Why are some people the way they are? It is common knowledge that we are all born different and our individuality is what defines us. B. Topic Reveal: I would like to inform you and bring to light a disease that is currently active today and affecting thousands. Down Syndrome. C. Credibility Statement: Over the course of these weeks I have been actively researching this disease based on reliable sources, to give you the most accurate information possible. D. Preview Statement: Today I will be telling you how Down Syndrome is caused, its symptoms, and how it affects the lives of those who have it. II. Main Point 1 :To explain the effects of Down syndrome, we first have to understand how it is caused. Evidence: According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, down syndrome has a variety of causes. The most prominent cause however is trisomy 21. This is when there are three copies of Chromosome 21, as oppose to the normal two that your body would produce. B. Commentary: In other words, it happens in our DNA, deep in our genes where our body accidentally makes another extra pair of the chromosome 21, thus causing abnormal effects and affecting our genetic makeup. C. Evidence: Another type of Down Syndrome which is much rarer is called translocation Down syndrome. The cause of this is when a random chromosome inadvertently attaches to a chromosome 21, this happens in the very early stage of gestation for women. D. Commentary: While there are many other causes of Down Syndrome all having to revolve around Chromosome 21, these causes are the most common and diagnosed by doctors. III. Main Point 2: Well, now that we know how Down Syndrome is caused, what are its symptoms? Evidence: According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention, patients born with Down Syndrome have symptoms that often directly change their physical appearance. Some common examples of this are small ears, a flatter face and nose, and just shorter stature in general. Commentary: While these may seem like very small differences in appearance, it is very easy to spot someone with down syndrome right away based on these unusual features. Evidence: While it may seem like a lot, physical appearance are not the only symptoms caused by Down Syndrome. When you have Down Syndrome it also affects the way you learn. It makes patients diagnosed with this disease slower at learning than others. In fact, many patients IQ range between around 35 to 70. Even with symptoms like these, many Down Syndrome patients are able to get a decent job, and are able to perform normal everyday tasks.