Understanding brain development and behavior in infants with Down syndrome
Official title: The Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11001809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of infants with Down syndrome develop and how that relates to the challenges they might face as they grow, with the hope of finding ways to better support their development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,927,457 |
| NIH project number | 1U01HD116463-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with Down syndrome, particularly those under the age of 12 months.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 12 months or do not have a diagnosis of Down syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain development in infants with Down syndrome (DS) relates to their cognitive and behavioral challenges. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to identify structural and functional differences in the brains of infants with DS compared to typically developing infants. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind developmental delays and to find biomarkers that could help tailor treatments for individuals with DS. This research will involve detailed assessments of brain function and structure in a cohort of infants diagnosed with DS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and personalized interventions for infants with Down syndrome, potentially enhancing their cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain development in other neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for Down syndrome as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marrus, Natasha — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Marrus, Natasha
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.