Drugs could reverse Down Syndrome symptoms

[n2doc]

A newly-found neurotransmitter link to the condition's associated learning disabilities could be targeted.

By Josh Clark | Mon Nov 23, 2009 06:30 AM ET

The learning impairment that characterizes Down syndrome and keeps people with the developmental condition from adapting to new environments could be reversed with a simple drug regimen, a new study suggests.

The Stanford University study, led by physician and neuroscientist Ahmad Salehi, was conducted on mice genetically engineered to develop a rodent version of Down syndrome.

In humans, the condition -- also known as trisomy 21 -- results from the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. (Chromosomes typically come in pairs.) The additional copy of the chromosome adds between 130 and 300 extra genes, which are responsible for characteristics of Down syndrome-like cognitive impairment.

more:

http://news.discovery.com/human/down-syndrome-neurotransmitter-drugs.html

[tekisui]

1. Wow!~

That could be an incredible development.

[LeftishBrit]

2. Great if itworks out; but obviously these are very early days...

So far it appears to have been tested only on mice, which of course do not have anything like as sophisticated brains or cognitive skills as humans. But we will see what comes of it.

[msongs]

3. who's seen the movie "Charlie", starring cliff robertson?...

in that movie a retarded guy who had a job as a bus boy got treatment that made him "normal", but it didn't last and wore off. The intelligent Charlie knew he was going back to his old state.

Msongs

[cdsilv]

4. based upon the book 'Flowers for Algernon' IIRC n/t

[mike_c]

5. .

:cry:

[Chemisse]

6. That could really be an exciting development!

I hope the human studies prove fruitful.

[budkin]

7. Badass!