6-Year-Old Child Was First Case of Down Syndrome Among Neanderthals

Down Syndrome was also observed among Neanderthals, and the first case was a six-year-old child.

Neanderthal's First Case of Down Syndrome

Researchers from the University of Alcalá discovered the first Down syndrome case among Neanderthals. Dr. Mercedes Conde-Valverde and his team analyzed the remains from a 1989 excavation, which included three new fossils previously overlooked in a new study. The fossils were found at the Cova Negra, a cave site in Valencia excavated from 1929 to 2017.

Among the three remains was an immature temporal bone (CN-46700). Only a portion of the right temporal bone helps the skull protect the brain and surround the ear canal.

The researchers studied the small cranial fragment that reportedly belonged to a 6-year-old child who lived over 145,000 years ago using micro-computed tomography, a 3D imaging technique that uses X-rays to peek the inside of an object. CN-46700's scan showed inner ear abnormalities consistent with Down Syndrome.

The researchers named the sample "Tina," and based on their analysis, she suffered from a congenital pathology in the inner ear associated with the genetic disorder. The condition likely caused disabling vertigo and hearing loss, according to the scientists.

They concluded that Tina had Down syndrome, and she was the first case of her kind. They also believed that the ancient humans could care for and support vulnerable members of the social group because the child lived for several years despite her genetic condition.

According to Conde-Valverde, they could only diagnose Down Syndrome in fossil specimens by analyzing the ancient DNA. In Tina's case, they diagnosed her through an anatomical study of her inner ear.

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What Is Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is usually noticeable at first glance because those with the condition have similar appearances. This is due to the extra copy of chromosome 21, which results in the condition. The extra chromosome 21 alters the body and brain's development.

Individuals who have Down syndrome may struggle with developmental issues, such as learning to speak later than typical youngsters.

Typically, a newborn with Down syndrome has distinct physical indicators from birth, which become increasingly noticeable as they grow. The following facial features are among them:

A flattened face, particularly across the nose bridge
Almond-shaped eyes with an upward slope
A tongue that protrudes from the mouth

Additional bodily indicators may consist of the following:

A short neck
Tiny hands, feet, and ears
A solitary line running across the hand's palm (palmar crease)
Little pinky fingers
Weak muscular tone or movable joints
Shorter than typical height

Down syndrome usually comes with other health issues. The genetic disorder is linked to congenital heart abnormalities, hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea.