Medicines that target specific nerve cells in the brain could reverse poor mental function in people with Down's syndrome, according to new research, Bupa has said.
Down’s syndrome is caused by having an extra chromosome. One effect is that people with Down’s syndrome have memory and learning problems. This delays brain development and means they find it difficult to adapt to changes in their environment.
American researchers considered whether increasing the concentration of the chemical, noradrenaline, in the brains of mice bred to show similar symptoms could reverse problems with brain function. If so, this could also be effective in humans who have Down’s syndrome.
The scientists found that when the mice were put into an unfamiliar cage they didn’t build nests, as unaffected mice would. The mice were then given a drug that increased the level of noradrenaline in their brains. Within a few hours they built nests as competently as unaffected mice. However, the scientists noted that as the levels of noradrenaline fell, the effects of the drug quickly wore off.
This study suggests it may be possible to develop a treatment for the condition.
Dr Paula Franklin, Bupa’s director of healthcare development, said: “Although these findings are interesting, it’s still very early days. We don’t know if these improvements would be seen in humans and much more research is needed to investigate this.
“Nevertheless, as the number of babies with Down’s syndrome is increasing, this study offers some hope of a treatment that could improve the lives of thousands of children.”
People with Down’s syndrome are also at an increased risk of certain medical conditions, including problems with hearing, eyesight and the heart.
