Non-invasive screening for brain blood flow issues in children with Down syndrome.
Official title: Non-invasive biometric screening for cerebrovascular disorders in persons with Down syndrome.
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11054555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to spot blood flow problems in the brains of children with Down syndrome using safe and simple methods, like checking blood pressure and taking special pictures of the brain, to help catch any issues early and protect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 17, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $258,285 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL155898-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children with Down syndrome, particularly those under the age of 11.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to identify cerebrovascular disorders in children with Down syndrome using non-invasive biometric methods. The approach includes measuring blood pressure and utilizing advanced imaging techniques to assess brain blood flow. By focusing on early detection, the study aims to prevent irreversible neurological damage associated with cerebrovascular accidents. The research is led by Dr. Jonathan Santoro, who is receiving training in data analysis and clinical trials to enhance the study's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early detection and prevention of serious brain conditions in children with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive methods for screening cerebrovascular disorders, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santoro, Jonathan Douglas — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Santoro, Jonathan Douglas
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.