By Dr. Patrice Powell, DNP, AGNP-C | Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | Founder, Outlier Health & Wellness
Quick Answer: October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and promote inclusion. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the U.S., occurring in about 1 in every 640 babies. People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever, and teens and adults benefit from primary care that watches for conditions such as thyroid disease, sleep apnea, hearing and vision changes, and early memory changes.
Promoting Inclusion and Health for All
This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Outlier Health & Wellness in Fresh Meadows, Queens celebrates individuals with Down syndrome and the families, caregivers, and communities who support them. Everyone deserves respectful, accessible, high-quality health care. At our practice, all abilities are welcome, and accessible facilities are available.
Down Syndrome by the Numbers
- About 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year, or about 1 in 640.
- Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S.
- Average life expectancy rose from about 10 years in 1960 to about 47 years in 2007, and many people now live well into adulthood.
Health Care for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome
As people with Down syndrome live longer, regular primary care becomes even more important. Common health concerns to monitor include:
- Thyroid disease: regular thyroid blood tests
- Sleep apnea: snoring, restless sleep, or daytime tiredness should be checked
- Hearing and vision changes: routine hearing and eye exams
- Heart health: follow-up for any heart condition present since birth
- Weight and nutrition: healthy eating and regular activity
- Celiac disease: testing if there are stomach symptoms or weight changes
- Memory and behavior changes: adults with Down syndrome have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease at younger ages, so new changes should be evaluated early
- Bone health and mobility: screening for osteoporosis and joint problems
How We Support Patients with Down Syndrome
- Longer, unhurried appointments when needed
- Caregivers and family members welcome at every visit
- House calls for patients who are more comfortable at home
- Interpreter services in many languages
- Accessible facilities
Down Syndrome FAQs
When is Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
Down Syndrome Awareness Month is observed every October in the United States to celebrate people with Down syndrome and promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.
How common is Down syndrome?
About 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year, or about 1 in every 640 babies. It is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S.
What health conditions are common in adults with Down syndrome?
Adults with Down syndrome have a higher risk of thyroid disease, sleep apnea, hearing and vision loss, obesity, celiac disease, and Alzheimer’s disease at younger ages. Regular primary care helps find and treat these conditions early.
What is the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome?
Life expectancy has increased dramatically. According to the CDC, the average rose from about 10 years in 1960 to about 47 years in 2007, and many people with Down syndrome now live well into adulthood.
Where can adults with Down syndrome get primary care in Queens?
Outlier Health & Wellness provides primary care for patients 16 and older in its accessible Fresh Meadows, Queens office and through house calls across Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Caregivers are always welcome. Call 888-855-2584 to schedule.
All Abilities Welcome
Call 888-855-2584 to schedule an appointment or house call. Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–3 PM, by appointment only.
Celebrating individuals with Down syndrome this October and every day. 💙💛
Statistics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).