Treating regression in Down syndrome
Mechanistic investigation of therapies for Down Syndrome Regression Disorder
This project compares three different treatments to help people with Down syndrome who suddenly lose skills and develop psychiatric or neurological symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176238 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a clinical program for people with Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) where doctors collect medical histories, symptom measures, and laboratory tests. Participants may receive one of three therapeutic approaches used for DSRD (for example, benzodiazepines like lorazepam, electroconvulsive therapy, or immune-targeted therapy such as IVIG) and will be followed for response and safety. The team will also study blood and other markers to see if immune system changes are linked to regression and treatment response. Results aim to show which patients benefit from which approaches and why.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Down syndrome who have new, measurable regression such as loss of daily living abilities, mutism or catatonia, hallucinations, delusions, or increased aggression would be the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with Down syndrome who do not have new-onset regression, whose symptoms reflect stable lifelong disability, or who cannot safely receive the specific treatments may not benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify treatments and biological markers that help people with DSRD recover skills and reduce harmful symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous case reports and small series suggest benzodiazepines, ECT, and immune therapies can help some individuals, but these approaches have not been compared in a systematic clinical program.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espinosa, Joaquin M. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Espinosa, Joaquin M.
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.