We interviewed Erica Peirson ND of the Peirson Center for Children about whole-body support for Down syndrome. You can watch the webinar replay below.
About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which there is a full or partial third copy of chromosome 21, which is why it is also called trisomy 21. Children with this condition typically also have physical growth delays, certain characteristic facial features and mild or moderate intellectual disabilities.
It used to be thought that children with this condition would have to be cared for for their entire lives and that nothing much could be done to improve their health.
However, in recent years, medical research (see Sources & References below) has shown that many of their health issues, nutritional deficiencies, immune dysregulation and even neurological issues can have nothing to do with having an extra chromosome. This is exciting because many of these issues can be addressed with a functional-medicine approach.
In addition, children with Down syndrome share many common conditions with children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as:
- Strabismus
- Vision issues
- Sensory issues
- Auditory issues
- Chronic ear infections
- Speech and language issues
- Seizures
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Chronic constipation
The root-cause approach used in functional medicine combined with sensory therapies can go a long way to providing additional health support for Down syndrome.
In This Webinar
Here are some of the questions we’ll be exploring in this free webinar:
- How much of a role do genetics play in the health of a child with Down syndrome?
- What is the role of epigenetics in these children?
- Are there any common genetic polymorphisms that are typically seen in a child with Down syndrome?
- Do children with Down syndrome typically have nutritional deficiencies?
- Is it common for a child with Down syndrome to have gastrointestinal issues?
- Are there any specific diets that can improve the health of a child with Down syndrome?
- What tests, if any, can be used to assess the health of a child with Down syndrome?
- What other areas of health can be explored in patients with Down syndrome?
Sign up to ask your own questions of Dr. Peirson!
About Erica Peirson ND
In 2007, Dr. Peirson gave birth to her son, Miles, who was diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome. Ever since then, she has been on a quest to learn everything there is to know about Down syndrome, including treatments.
Her frustration with the little amount of information she received from the specialists they saw fueled her desire to learn more.
Dr. Peirson wants to share what she has learned and give others the tools they need to help their child be the best they can be.
Dr. Peirson graduated from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 and is a licensed primary care physician under Oregon State Law. Before completing her undergraduate degree in Biology from Portland State University, she worked as an EMT in an Emergency Room in Clearwater, FL and thus has a great understanding of and appreciation for conventional medicine.
Until recently Dr. Peirson taught Cell Biology and Anatomy & Physiology at Portland Community College, where she gained great satisfaction from teaching students about the amazing processes of the body.
You can find out more about Dr. Peirson’s work at her website: https://www.peirsoncenter.com/
Disclaimer
This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.
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Sources & References
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Amorim, M.R., et al. MTHFR 677C–>T and 1298A–>C polymorphisms in children with Down syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia in Brazil. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2008 Dec;25(8):744-50.
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