DownSyndrome Achieves (DSA) today announced a research initiative in partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles focused on neurological health in individuals with Down syndrome.Through this partnership, DSA is helping advance work aimed at improving knowledge, care, and future outcomes for people with Down syndrome.The announcement reflects DSA’s ongoing commitment to...
Why Annual Celiac Screening Matters for Children with Down Syndrome
A recent Italian study brings important news for families: celiac disease affects about 7.5% of children with Down syndrome—significantly higher than the 1% rate in the general population. Researchers followed 770 children with Down syndrome over 17 years, screening them annually with blood tests. What makes this finding particularly significant...
DownSyndrome Achieves Names Dr. Nicole White as Principal Investigator For DSA Biobank
DownSyndrome Achieves is proud to announce the appointment of Nicole White, PhD, MBA, as the new Principal Investigator for DSA Biobank. Dr. White has coordinated the DSA Biobank's operations since 2017 and is also a parent of a child with Down syndrome, bringing both deep operational knowledge and personal commitment...
DownSyndrome Achieves Statement on the Proposed Dismantling of the Department of Education
Our mission at DownSyndrome Achieves is to advance research, resources, and support policies that empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families. A strong, well-supported education system is fundamental to ensuring every child—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.The Department of Education (DOE) plays a crucial role...
Unlocking New Possibilities: Gene Editing and Down Syndrome
A recent study published in the Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), PNAS Nexus, titled "Trisomic rescue via allele-specific multiple chromosome cleavage using CRISPR-Cas9 in trisomy 21 cells", scientists investigated a novel approach to identifying how they may remove the third copy of chromosome 21 from...
New Study Explores Research Attitudes Among DS Decision-Makers
A new study provides important insights into how decision-makers for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) view participation in medical research compared to those making decisions for individuals without DS. Researchers used a survey to explore differences in perspectives, priorities, and decision-making processes from both groups, adjusting for factors such as...
Study Finds Lecanemab Effectively Targets Amyloid Plaque in Adults with Down Syndrome
Nearly all adults with Down syndrome will develop indications of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) by as early as 40 years old, including amyloid plaque on the brain. Lecanemab is a drug designed to target and remove amyloid plaque, and recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, people with Down...
Biobanking: What It Is & Why You Should Care
Biobanks continue to evolve over time.What started out as simple biological and environmental repositories for various sample collections continues to expand into large infrastructure collection points for studying cancer, diseases, and human conditions like Down syndrome.At DownSyndrome Achieves, we continue to advocate for Down syndrome research. We created the DSA...
Breaking Barriers: Improving Healthcare Experiences for People with Down Syndrome
by: Angela McPhillips, DNP RN People with Down syndrome (DS) face unique challenges in healthcare settings. Sometimes the healthcare team skillfully meets these challenges. Other times, the experience is frustrating for the person with Down syndrome, their caregiver, and healthcare providers. What are some common challenges in healthcare settings that people...
Down Syndrome Facts for Parents
Discover the essential insights on navigating the emotional and practical aspects of a Down syndrome diagnosis in your family. This post delves into understanding the condition, its types, and how it affects individuals differently. It's a guide to embracing the journey with knowledge and support, offering answers to crucial questions...