Which maternal age groups are listed as risk factors for Down Syndrome?

• A. Very young (16-25) or older (45+)
• B. Age 30-40
• C. Age 20-30
• D. No age-related risk

Answer: (A)

Maternal age is a key factor linked to Down syndrome risk. The chance of nondisjunction during oocyte development increases with age, so the risk rises as a mother ages, especially after the mid-30s. While Down syndrome can occur at any age, the risk is notably higher in older mothers, and many sources also categorize the extremes of age as higher-risk groups. That’s why listing both very young and older ages best reflects the pattern of age-related risk. For context, the risk approximates higher figures as age increases (roughly 1 in 150 at age 35, climbing with older ages), while mid-20s to early-30s carry lower risk. The other options describe narrower age ranges that don’t capture the established pattern of risk at age extremes.