Down sydrome and moms over 35 or 40
MoveCloseDeleteAdmin

TV ClubHouse: GD Archives: Down sydrome and moms over 35 or 40

Julieboo

Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 08:01 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Anyone know if the risk factor of having a down syndrome baby is affected at all by the dad's age or is it only the mom's age. What is the age that the risk goes up a lot? Any links or info would be great. Thanks.

Jmm

Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 08:06 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Julieboo, I don't have any personal experience with this but here is a good article from Mayo Clinic on the subject. Hope this helps.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00182

Cathie

Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 12:01 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I have a friend who is a genetics MD and runs the local Down Syndrome clinic. I called and left a her message with your question and will let you know what she says.

Cathie

Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 01:08 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I just heard back from my friend. She said that in the past some researchers thought they had found a link to advanced paternal age (over 45) and Down Syndrome, but recent studies have not supported a known relationship. She did say that advanced paternal age does cause a higher risk of dominant gene disorders, such as neurofibromatosis.

If there is any family concern regarding advanced maternal or paternal age, amniocentesis would be advised.