Treatment
There are many different approaches to take when considering treatment for a person with Down syndrome. In addition to assisted learning (i.e. Schools for children who require special education) there are also medical and cognitive therapies that have proven very successful over the last century. The first drug intervention, a thyroid hormone, was introduced in the 19th century. Today doctors continue to provide a new and improved version of these drugs, although it is not extremely clear whether they make a substantial difference. There are many other drugs as well such as a pituitary extract, growth hormones, and glutamic acids but doctors still have not come across a drug that produces all around positive effects on patients with Down syndrome. The best forms of treatment are specialized programs in which a person with Down syndrome can learn basic skills and eventually become independent. There is no cure for Down syndrome, but over the past few centuries many new developments and advancements in research have made it possible for people with all types of intellectual disabilities to live a successful and fulfilled life. |