Longevity of a woman with Down syndrome: A case study

Abstract: A case of a woman who is among the longest surviving people with Down Syndrome was described. The life expectancy of persons with Down syndrome has increased more than six-fold to 56 years since the turn of the century. The literature regarding life expectancy for persons with Down syndrome was reviewed, and the implications regarding Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease were discussed. Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic or chromosomal cause of mental retardation, occurring in approximately 1 per 800 to 1 per 1,000 live births in developed countries (Baird & Sadovnick, 1989). The syndrome is characterized by trisomy 21, particular morphologic features, mental retardation, and associated health problems. The average life expectancy for persons with Down syndrome has increased from 9 years i