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Down syndrome

·April 26, 2025·8 min read

Sensory Stimulation Boosts Memory and Brain Growth in Down Syndrome

New research shows that 40Hz sensory stimulation (GENUS) improves memory, enhances brain circuit connectivity, and increases new neuron growth in mice modeling Down syndrome. In the study, daily light and sound exposure boosted performance in memory tasks and promoted gene activity linked to synaptic development.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 27, 2024·3 min read

First Neandertal with Down Syndrome: Evidence of Altruistic Care in Prehistory

A new study documents the first case of Down syndrome in a Neandertal child named "Tina," found in Spain. Despite severe hearing loss and vertigo, Tina survived to at least 6 years old, indicating she received extensive care from her group. This discovery highlights the Neandertals' capacity for altruistic behavior.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 16, 2022·5 min read

Issues With Fracture Healing in People With Down Syndrome

Researchers report bone fractures in those with Down syndrome are unlikely to fully heal.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 29, 2022·4 min read

Promising Alzheimer’s Drug May Also Improve Memory in Down Syndrome and Normal Aging

GM-CSF/sargramostim, a drug that improved memory in Alzheimer's patients during a phase II clinical trial, also appears to improve cognitive function in older adults and those with Down syndrome.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 21, 2020·3 min read

Major discovery in the genetics of Down syndrome

Study explains how an overexpression of the RCAN1 gene may cause intellectual disabilities in people with Down syndrome.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 16, 2020·3 min read

Sleep linked to language skills in neurodevelopmental disorders

Sleep disruptions are common features of Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Down syndrome. The disruption of sleep in these neurodevelopmental disorders appears to be linked to language development. The longer children with neurodevelopmental disorders slept, the more words they knew.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 23, 2019·3 min read

Targeting key gene could help lead to down syndrome treatment

Using stem cells from candidates with Down syndrome to create an organoid, and employing mouse models, researchers pinpoint a gene linked to memory impairments and cognitive problems in Down syndrome. Inhibiting the OLIG2 gene leads to cognitive and memory improvements in mouse models of Down. Researchers hope their findings lead to an in utero treatment that targets the gene and helps reverse abnormal brain development.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 29, 2018·5 min read

Daytime Naps May Hinder Learning in Children with Down Syndrome

A new study reports that while an afternoon naps are beneficial for memory and learning in typically developing children, in those with Down syndrome, napping may increase memory loss.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·October 11, 2018·4 min read

Human Brain Cell Transplant Offers Insight into Neurological Conditions

Researchers have successfully transplanted human brain cells into mouse brains and watched how they grow to form networks. The technique could be used to study a range of neurological conditions, the researchers report.

Featured Genetics Neurology Psychology

·June 26, 2018·5 min read

Genes Linking Alzheimer’s to Down Syndrome Discovered

Researchers report extra copies of genes on chromosome 21 increase Alzheimer's like pathology and cognitive impairment in mouse models of Down syndrome. The findings provide insight into early onset Alzheimer's in those with Down syndrome.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 17, 2017·4 min read

Placebo Effect Despite Intellectual Disability

A new study provides contrary evidence to popular belief and states people with congenital intellectual disabilities are sensitive to placebo-like effects.