Down Syndrome (cont.)

Medical Author:

Sietske N. Heyn, PhD

Sietske N. Heyn, PhD

Sietske N. Heyn is a medical writer with a PhD in neuroscience. Dr. Heyn's education includes a BS with honors from the University of Oregon, and a doctoral degree in neuroscience from the University of California at Davis. After completing postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco, and many years of working as a medical writer at the Stanford University Center for Down Syndrome Research, Dr. Heyn now runs her own medical writing business.

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Medical Editor:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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Down Syndrome Treatment

There is currently no treatment for Down syndrome. Although the genetic cause of Down syndrome is known, scientists are only just beginning to understand which extra genes are responsible for which aspect of Down syndrome. A large part of current research focuses on understanding how cognition is impaired in Down syndrome and on finding therapies that might improve cognition. With the help of Down syndrome mouse models, some progress has been made toward finding potential drugs that might improve cognition, but it is too early for human studies.

Some individuals with cardiac and gastrointestinal anomalies will need corrective surgery soon after birth. Regular screening for vision problems, hearing loss, ear infections, hypothyroidism, and other medical conditions should be performed.

Early intervention programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, are helpful. Special education and training for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities is offered in most communities.

Adolescents and young adults should receive proper education regarding sexual development and contraception.

Inclusion in family and community life is very important for the well-being of people with Down syndrome.