Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 17, 2025

Did you know? The bodies of people with Down syndrome regulate body temperature differently compared to people without Down syndrome. 

The bodies of people with Down syndrome regulate body temperature differently compared to people without Down syndrome. This may be due to multiple factors including differences in blood flow to the skin, sweating, and, in some individuals, abnormal thyroid function. While more research is needed, some of the possible implications of these differences are shared below.

• People with Down syndrome may not be able to cool down in the typical fashion when the outside or room temperature is high and/or they are exercising.

• People with Down syndrome may need to drink more cool water, take more breaks, or move to a cooler place when their body temperature increases.

• Fever response may not be a reliable measure of infection in some people with Down syndrome.

Brian Chicoine, MD, shares more information in this Temperature Regulation in People with Down Syndrome article.