What other medical conditions are associated with Down syndrome?

What other medical conditions are associated with Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome often have associated medical conditions that are either present at birth or develop over time. These can often be managed by medications or other care. Common conditions of Down syndrome can include:

• Heart problems, frequently present at birth.
• Thyroid abnormalities.
• Hearing and vision problems.
• Low fertility rate in males with the syndrome. Around 50% of women with Down syndrome are able to bear children, but the risk of the child having the condition is between 35%-50%.
• Sleep apnea.
• Gastrointestinal problems, like constipation, gastroesophageal reflux (when fluid from the stomach re-enters the esophagus) and celiac disease (intolerance for wheat protein).
• Autism, with challenges with social skills, communication and repetitive behaviors.
• Alzheimer’s disease, which causes memory and thinking problems in older age.