Understanding early brain development in infants with Down syndrome
A Longitudinal MRI Study Characterizing Very Early Brain Development in Infants with Down Syndrome
This study is looking at how the brains of babies with Down syndrome grow in their first two years, comparing them to babies who develop typically and those with other developmental challenges, to find clues that could help improve treatments in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10471889 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brains of infants with Down syndrome develop in the first two years of life using advanced MRI technology. By comparing these infants to typically developing peers and those with other developmental disabilities, the study aims to identify unique patterns of brain development. The goal is to establish biomarkers that could guide future therapies and interventions. This collaborative effort involves multiple research institutions working together to gather comprehensive data on brain development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 3 to 24 months who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 24 months or do not have Down syndrome may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early interventions that enhance developmental outcomes for infants with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using MRI to study brain development in infants at risk for autism, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights for infants with Down syndrome as well.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marrus, Natasha — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Marrus, Natasha
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.