Investigating how executive dysfunction affects adults with Down syndrome.
Official title: Executive dysfunction as a treatment target for DS clinical trials: An evaluation of its real-world and neural correlates.
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10295990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how challenges with thinking and planning affect the daily lives of young adults with Down syndrome, and it hopes to find ways to help improve their job opportunities and everyday skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $419,385 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD106164-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10295990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or are under the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of executive dysfunction on the well-being of adults with Down syndrome (DS). It aims to gather a large group of young adults with DS to explore how cognitive skills, particularly executive function, relate to important life outcomes like job status and daily living skills. By analyzing these connections, the study seeks to identify effective treatment targets that could improve the quality of life for individuals with DS. Participants will be recruited from across the United States, and data will be collected online to facilitate participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that enhance cognitive skills and overall life outcomes for adults with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cognitive skills to improve outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Nancy Raitano — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Nancy Raitano
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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.