Investigating brain development in infants with Down syndrome
Official title: Brain Development in Down Syndrome during Fetal and Early Postnatal Ages
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10799281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,896,457 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD111454-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with Down syndrome, particularly those who are 0-4 weeks old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or are older than 4 weeks may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Takahashi (Oki), Emi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Takahashi (Oki), Emi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.