Investigating brain development in infants with Down syndrome
Brain Development in Down Syndrome during Fetal and Early Postnatal Ages
This study is looking at how the brains of babies with Down syndrome develop differently from pregnancy through their early months, using special MRI scans to find out what might cause learning and language difficulties, so we can find better ways to help these little ones thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10799281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how brain development is altered in infants with Down syndrome, starting from fetal stages through early postnatal ages. By using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to identify specific brain abnormalities that may contribute to cognitive deficits such as learning and language challenges. The researchers will analyze brain structure and connectivity to better predict which areas may deteriorate over time, potentially leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies for affected infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with Down syndrome, particularly those who are 0-4 weeks old.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Down syndrome or are older than 4 weeks may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier interventions that improve cognitive outcomes for infants with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully identified early brain abnormalities in Down syndrome using MRI, indicating that this approach has potential for further advancements.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Takahashi (Oki), Emi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Takahashi (Oki), Emi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.