PALO ALTO, CA -- 11/20/09 --
The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment
Foundation (DSRTF) announces the identification of a new potential
therapeutic strategy to address cognitive decline and improve cognition in
Down syndrome. The findings were published in Science Translational
Medicine on November 18, 2009 by DSRTF-supported researchers, Drs. Ahmad
Salehi, William Mobley, and colleagues at Stanford and UCSD Schools of
Medicine. The study explored contextual learning, and discovered that
specific drug compounds can restore this important aspect of learning and
memory in a mouse model, indicating a new potential therapeutic strategy to
improve contextual learning for individuals with Down syndrome.
Generally, people do not have trouble finding, for example, a specific
store in a shopping mall, especially if they have been there before. They
are able to integrate input from their senses (such as sight, sound, smell,
etc.) with navigational cues from the environment to remember and find
their way. This is called contextual learning. For people with Down
syndrome, contextual learning is a particular challenge. In addition it is
believed that poor contextual learning and memory is involved in cognitive
decline as people with Down syndrome age.
In this new study, the researchers explored the basis of contextual
learning in a mouse model of Down syndrome and discovered that:
-- Specific brain cells, or neurons, in one region of the brain are
damaged and degenerate leading to the disruption of a specific set of
neural circuits;
-- In contrast, the neurons in another brain region that receive signals
from the degenerating neurons remain intact and functional;
-- One consequence of this specific neuronal degeneration is impairment
in contextual learning and memory; and,
-- Specific drug compounds can essentially restore this important aspect
of learning and memory in the mouse model suggesting a new potential
therapeutic strategy.
"DSRTF is extremely pleased to have provided critical grant funding to
advance this important and exciting research," said Dr. Michael Harpold,
Chief Executive Officer of DSRTF. "This new study illustrates DSRTF's
commitment to new discovery research and the advance of new discoveries
toward possible clinical trials. Such research is essential for the
development of effective new therapies to improve cognition and create new
opportunities, including the potential for greater independence and
achievement, for all individuals with Down syndrome."
About DSRTF: DSRTF has become the leading non-governmental source of
funding in the U.S. for research to improve cognition in individuals with
Down syndrome. Since its founding in 2004, DSRTF has generated more than
$5.6 million to fund and support major new results-driven cognition
research.
For more information, visit www.dsrtf.org
Contact:
Dr. Michael Harpold
650/468.1668
dsrtf@dsrtf.org
