Latest news with #DownSyndrome
CTV News
10 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Frustration over Algonquin's ending of special needs program
Sandra Wallace, mother of a 20-year-old woman with down syndrome, joins CTV's Austin Lee to discuss Algonquin College's plan to phase out its special needs program.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Canadians with Down syndrome living longer: study
Winnipeg Watch A new study into the mortality rate of people living with Down syndrome leads MedicalWatch for July 17, 2025.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Canadians with Down syndrome living longer, but still dying prematurely, study says
Janet Charchuk, left, who has Down syndrome, poses with her mother Jackie Charchuk in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - George Charchuk (Mandatory Credit) TORONTO — Janet Charchuk knows that having Down syndrome puts her at higher risk of getting Alzheimer's disease at a younger age than the average person. 'It is something that I do worry about at times,' she said in an interview from her home in Alberton, P.E.I. But she's doing everything she can to prevent it. 'Your diet, your sleep, exercise,' Charchuk said. '(Having) friends and being social and doing brain exercises.' Her favourite brain exercise is word searches. She also stays physically active and social, working at an equine therapy ranch, competing in the Special Olympics and serving on the board of advocacy group Down Syndrome International. At 42, Charchuk is among the growing number of people with Down syndrome living well into adulthood. A recent study estimates there were 22,367 people with the developmental disability in Canada as of 2020 — with 30 per cent of them age 40 and older. In Canada, 'the average lifespan of someone with Down syndrome is about 60 years old,' said Dr. Brian Skotko, senior author of the study published earlier this year in the journal Genetics in Medicine. That's a notable increase from an average life expectancy of about 53 years of age in 1970. Back in 1950, the study said, there were an estimated 5,138 people with Down syndrome in Canada and most died as children at an average age of four. Fewer than one per cent of them survived to age 40 years and older. Still, a 60-year life expectancy falls far short of the Canadian average of 82 years. For people with Down syndrome, 'there's one big culprit getting in the way, and that is Alzheimer's disease,' said Skotko. 'The number one cause of death in adults with Down syndrome are complications related to Alzheimer's,' which could include falls, memory loss, or choking, he said. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which also happens to be a chromosome associated with amyloid plaque linked to Alzheimer's disease, Skotko said. The study is the latest in a series of country-specific efforts to get the most accurate possible estimates of the Down syndrome population — including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Europe — spearheaded by Skotko, who is the director of the Down syndrome program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. 'People with Down syndrome, if we want them to have a voice and the right policies and the right information and supports, we need to have an accurate accounting of their numbers,' said Skotko. Laura LaChance, a co-author of the study and the executive director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, said that includes understanding how many people with the disability are adults and the various medical, financial and social supports needed to help them live as long as possible and age well. 'Because individuals with Down syndrome didn't live that long historically, the system still really treats Down syndrome as a pediatric issue, a children's issue,' she said. It 'hasn't kept up to date in supports or pathways or inclusive strategy that's tailored to adults with Down syndrome,' she said. But several doctors and advocates are hoping to change that. One big step is educating more primary-care providers about not only the link to Alzheimer's disease, but also to screen for other conditions — including cardiovascular risks, underactive thyroid and sleep apnea — that adults with Down syndrome are particularly prone to. 'Adults with Down syndrome might not be able to communicate their symptoms as clearly or go to a doctor early. So preventive care is very important — otherwise we'll miss those diagnoses,' said Heidi Diepstra, lead of the developmental disabilities primary care program at Surrey Place in Toronto. Although annual health exams are no longer recommended for the general population in several provinces, they're essential for people with Down syndrome, said Diepstra, who helped develop a specific Down syndrome 'health watch' checklist posted online by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Primary-care providers can use the checklist to help avoid 'diagnostic overshadowing,' where clinicians see symptoms in patients but just assume they are part of having Down syndrome rather than investigating further to find the underlying condition, such as depression or hypothyroidism, she said. The checklist was first developed in 2011 and is expected to be revised by Surrey Place once more funding becomes available, Diepstra said. Even though 'anecdotally' they know some primary health-care providers are using it, it needs to be more widely incorporated into medical practice to meet the needs of patients with Down syndrome, she said. '(We) know from research data that health disparities continue to exist for people with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities),' Diepstra said. 'This means we need to do more to increase the awareness and uptake of these tools with health-care providers in Canada.' Dr. Liz Grier, a family doctor and medical director of Ongwanada Developmental Services in Kingston, Ont., said both physical and emotional care for adults with Down syndrome has improved over the years — whether they're living with aging parents or in supportive housing — contributing to longer and healthier lives. 'There's better involvement of both medical and social service supports in terms of engaging day programming and other activities,' she said. But Grier also believes care for people with Down syndrome can improve further, leading to longer life expectancy. She said in addition to primary-care providers, it's important for family members and caregivers to be on the watch for both physical and mental health symptoms so the person with Down syndrome can be screened and treated early. Even the high risk of Alzheimer's disease can be managed to some degree, Grier said. Getting enough vitamin B12 and treating sleep apnea are both medical interventions that can help, she said. Supporting people with Down syndrome to live a 'fulfilling, engaging' life is also vital in helping stave off dementia, Grier said. 'Keep the brain stimulated, keep the brain healthy with the right vitamins and nutrients that it needs, stay active from a physical health perspective ... all of those pieces contribute,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content. Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection Day 26: Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh starrer mints ₹80 lakh
On the 4th Tuesday, Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh starrer Sitaare Zameen Par failed to cross the ₹ 1 crore mark. By the end of its third week, the film had collected a total of ₹ 18.95 crore, with the Hindi version contributing the bulk of the earnings. Released on June 20, this emotional sports drama directed by RS Prasanna has attracted audiences with its mix of humour, sentiment, and a unique storyline. However, as the film entered its fourth week, weekday earnings had dropped, despite maintaining steady numbers over the weekends. According to Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par earned an estimated ₹ 80 lakh on Day 26, bringing its total India net collection to ₹ 161.20 crore. Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par combines emotion, sports, and comedy. At its core is the inspiring journey of a group of specially-abled individuals, coached by Aamir Khan's character. The film stands out not just for Aamir Khan's performance but also for introducing ten neurodivergent actors in lead roles, each bringing authenticity and heart to the narrative. Rishabh Jain as Raju Aroush Datta as Satbir Gopi Krishnan Varma – one of India's first lead actors with Down Syndrome – as Guddu Rishi Shahani as Sharmaji Samvit Desai as Karim Qureshi Naman Misra as Hargovind Ashish Pendse as Sunil Gupta Vedant Sharma as Bantu Ayush Bhansali as Lotus Simran Mangeshkar as Golu Khan The makers of Sitaare Zameen Par had announced that the film would not be released on any streaming platform.
The Journal
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Journal
Dubliner (70) and his sons to cycle 2,100km across Europe to support Down Syndrome charity
A FATHER AND his two sons are to begin a cycle from Swords to Slovakia tomorrow in support of the Down Syndrome Centre in Swords. The centre held a launch for the charity cycle yesterday. Kevin (70), and his two sons Niall and Gavin are cycling over 2,100km to raise funds for the centre in Swords and The Children's Rehabilitation Centre Natalia Hlohovec Slovakia. Niall's four-year-old daughter Saoirse has been attending the centre, inspiring her father, uncle, and grandfather to organise the cycle. Niall said of the centre: 'They've changed our lives. This cycle is about giving back and making sure more children like Saoirse can get the therapy and support they deserve.' He is self-funding the journey to allow all donations to go directly to the two charities. His wife Zuzanna is originally from Slovakia, which led to the family deciding to journey there on their charitable cycle. Niall Kenny pictured with his wife Zuzanna and their daughter Saoirse. Triona Cussen Triona Cussen It will take the three 21 days to complete and will see them cross through eight countries. Speaking to The Journal , Triona Cussen of the Swords centre said that Niall and his family are aiming to raise €50,000, split equally between the two charities. Advertisement The Swords centre, which supports about 400 families per year, receives no government funding. It sustains itself through donations, grants, and sponsorships. 'This kind of fundraiser is huge for us,' Cussen said. 'It's a lovely idea of friendships between the two countries and connecting the two centres.' The centre provides support through classes, groups, speech and language therapy, early education, and family supports. It serves children with Down Syndrome to birth until adulthood, but also offers support for parents and siblings of children with Down Syndrome, including for women who have received a diagnosis while still pregnant to help them prepare. Niall pictured with traditional Slovakian dancers at yesterday's launch. Triona Cussen Triona Cussen At the launch yesterday, there were a number of public representatives present, including TDs, the Slovakian ambassador to Ireland, and Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien. Traditional Slovakian dancers performed. 'We also have a young man called Conor who has Down Syndrome who cycled yesterday [with a group] from Ashbourne to Swords,' Cussen said. 'Conor was leading the pack cycling into the centre. The whole car park was cheering and clapping as they entered. It was very beautiful and moving. 'There's a lot of excitement around the campaign, and we're just excited to get an update every couple of days to see which country they're in and how they're getting on. 'That's essentially what it's all about, at the heart of it. One family doing something amazing for our centre.' You can follow along with the Kenny's journey here , and can donate here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
