Detailed Information on Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a developmental disability that is marked by lower-than-normal intelligence and limited daily living skills. People who are mentally retarded function at an intellectual level that is below average and have difficulties with learning. Mental retardation is usually present at birth or develops early in life. Approximately 2.5 to 3% of the total population is mentally retarded. In most cases, it is a lifelong condition. There is no connection between mental retardation and gender or race. Gene defects such as phenylketonuria (PKU) can cause mental retardation if not found and treated early, as can hypothyroidism.

About 5 percent of mental retardation cases are caused by inherited factors. Genes are chemical units initiate in all cells. They transmit the instructions that tell cells how they are to perform. In some cases, children inherit defective genes from their parents. These genes may interfere with the normal development of the child's brain. This may lead to mental retardation. Mental retardation affects about 1 - 3% of the population. Mental Retardation occurs when something injures the brain or a problem prevents the brain from developing normally. Mental retardation can also occur as a result of the mother's behaviors or illnesses during pregnancy.

Behaviors that can affect the fetus' developing brain comprise poor nutrition, extreme alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and cigarette smoking during pregnancy. Mental retardation due to alcohol abuse is called fetal alcohol syndrome. Pregnant women who have infections or illnesses such as rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, glandular disorders, high blood pressure, or blood poisoning, or who are exposed to radiation during pregnancy, may have a mentally retarded child. Mental retardation is frequently accompanied by other symptoms as well.

These symptoms involve aggression, a tendency toward self-injury, and personality changes. Various forms of mental retardation can be treated. Treatment of mental retardation involves developing an individualized plan based upon the child's skills and needs. Older mentally retarded children benefits from occupational therapy to assist them develop life skills that will aid them in functioning independently or semi-independently as adults. Prevention is better than cure. Environmental programs to decrease exposure to lead, mercury, and other toxins will diminish toxin-associated retardation.

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