Down Syndrome Research
The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation:
"DSRTF's research objective is to fund science that enhances the lives of people with Down syndrome through the improvement of cognition. Cognition involves the processing of information, perception, attention, judgment, and understanding and remembering the environment around us." (dsrtf.org)To learn more about the DSRTF and currently funded research projects, please click here.
University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences (USDHSC)
UCDHSC is researching the drug memantine. The drug is already FDA approved to use with patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study involves testing mice with DS. The mice who where given the drug memantine are demonstrating better memory retention than the mice who were not given the drug. To learn more about this research, please click here
The National Down Syndrome Society funds Down syndrome research and has recently developed a Research Coalition. To learn more about the research activities of the NDSS pease click here .
Duke University Medical Center is researching the use of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) in children with Down syndrome. Aricept is a drug approved for treating people with Alzheimer's, but is also showing promise in the Down syndrome population. The drug appears to improve communication, attention span, and mood. In 2004, the Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group awarded a $5,000 grant to Duke University for the use in this research study. Proceeds from the Michiana Buddy Walk were used to fund this grant award.