Understanding cognitive disabilities in Down syndrome
Official title: A new approach to understanding cognitive disabilities in Down syndrome
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10725562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain signaling might affect thinking skills in people with Down syndrome, using a mouse model to help understand the underlying brain processes, so we can learn more about the challenges they face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS133681-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10725562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome, particularly those experiencing cognitive disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not exhibit cognitive disabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive disabilities associated with Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It focuses on the GABAergic hypothesis, which suggests that changes in GABA signaling during early brain development may lead to cognitive impairments. Using advanced techniques like two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology, the research aims to uncover the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that affect brain function in individuals with Down syndrome. By studying a mouse model that mimics human Down syndrome, the researchers hope to gain insights into the neurobiological factors contributing to these cognitive challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cognitive disabilities through similar neurobiological approaches, but this specific investigation into the GABAergic hypothesis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Won Chan — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Oh, Won Chan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.