Medical Conference On Down Syndrome Aims To Clear Up Misconceptions About This Genetic Condition

"There are lots of misconceptions about Down Syndrome either by medical professionals, media and the public," Down Syndrome Association of Malaysia. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 30, 2011 - Down Syndrome Association of Malaysia (PSDM) together with Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur organized a one-day medical conference to provide an opportunity to address some of the misconceptions about this genetic condition.

The conference also aimed to open up opportunities to clarify and develop meaningful program and activities that can offer better health management and improve the quality of life of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

The medical conference which was officiated by Yang Amat Mulia Raja Dato' Seri Azureen Binti Sultan Azlan Shah attracted more than 100 medical practitioners, academicians, members of the public, parents and those who were keen to understand more about Down Syndrome.

Among the interesting topics that were presented during the medical conference included; 'Down Syndrome - Early Intervention Program & Improving Quality of Life' by Dr Tunku Nor Taayah Tunku Zubir, Rehabilitation Medicine Physician Consultant of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, 'Sexual Development & Challenges' by Dr Salimah Othman from Ministry of Health, 'Improving Communication Skills in Individuals with Down's Syndrome', by Mohd Firdaus, Speech Therapist Consultant of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur and many other topics by prominent medical professionals in this area .

According to Dr Tunku Nor Taayah, common misconceptions about Down Syndrome includes a shorter life span and severe mental retardation.

"People with Down Syndrome live into their 60's and beyond, and have went through therapies to maintain independent living and all individuals with Down Syndrome are capable of learning," explained Dr Tunku Nor Taayah.

Dr Tunku Nor Taayah said that it was important to empower parents and the public the right knowledge about this condition in order for them to provide better parenting and support which will then subsequently improve the patient's quality of life.

She added that most individuals with Down Syndrome will have some degree of learning disability but mostly they will go on to lead full and semi-independent lives.

Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur Amir Firdaus Abdullah said that the medical conference was held with the aim to raise awareness and to achieve equal rights and a better life for people with Down Syndrome everywhere.

"Through this Medical Conference which is held in conjunction with the World Down Syndrome Day 2011, we hope to create a platform for parents, medical professionals, academicians and the general public to exchange ideas and thoughts about this genetic condition.

We believe that these special children deserve more opportunities for learning and being independent, and this medical conference will definitely help support that goal.

Amir added that Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur Rehabilitation Centre offers special programs for children with Down Syndrome including Sensory Processing and Integration, Neuromuscular Rehabilitation and Behavior Management, and other related issues.

For more information on this and all Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur's latest activities, please log on to www.gleneagleskl.com.my

For more information, please contact:
For Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur
Ms. Manminder Kaur Dhillon (Public Relations Consultant)
+6012 652 3868 manminder ( @ ) intelectasia dot com

About Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur commenced operations on 1 August 1996 and was officially opened by the former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed on 16 December 1997.Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur comprises a 330-bed tertiary care hospital and a separate Medical Office Building (MOB) which accommodates consultants of various specialties and sub-specialties for outpatient services. Our continuous efforts in providing quality healthcare have gained us great recognition. In 2006, Gleneagles Hospital was the proud recipient of the Technology Business Review Award for Holistic Patient Care and the Best Hospital Award at the Asia Spa Wellness Awards. In 2007, yet another milestone was achieved when Reader's Digest crowned Gleneagles Hospital as the Most Trusted Brand under the hospital category of the Trusted Brands Awards. We also received Asian Hospital Management Award (Branding) in the same year. In 2009, we received the Branded Service Recognition Award and Health Industry Recognition Award. Gleneagles Hospital has been officially accepted as an organizational member of International Standard on Quality (ISQua) in health care since May 2009. For more information about Gleneagles, please visit: www.gleneagleskl.com.my

About Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia ( PSDM)
Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM) is managed by Council Members comprising of parents of person with Down syndrome. It is on volunteer basis and activities are conducted on best endeavour basis to facilitate the quality of life of person with Down syndrome and their families. Its organisation is structured to include several bureaus covering key areas to manage the issues and challenges on Down syndrome. One of the bureaus is the Medical Bureau. Amongst Its task is to address matters on the health, therapy, medical and development of person with Down syndrome.
Amongst the members of PSDM also includes medical professionals and together with close contacts with Hospitals and Clinic, it aim to put the medical agenda for Down syndrome for discussion.

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