improving cognition

The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation is dedicated to finding a treatment to improve cognition including learning, memory and speech for individuals with Down syndrome. Since our founding in 2004 we have become the leading private source of funding in the United States for Down syndrome cognition research. Learn more about our RESULTS.

Roche Clinical Trial Details

Roche starts early stage clinical trial in Down syndrome

First potential therapy designed to improve cognition and adaptive behavior in individuals with Down syndrome

Roche, a leader in research-focused healthcare and the world’s largest biotech firm, announces the initiation of its first Phase 1, multi-site clinical trial to investigate the safety and tolerability of a molecule designed to address the cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with Down syndrome. To view the full release, CLICK HERE.

plus15 Video Contest: "One of them is my sibling!"

The winners of the "One of Them is My Sibling" video contest have been chosen by the judges. They are:

Judge's Choice Winner: The judge's favorite is this all-sibling ensemble about their little brother, Maximilian. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4JpGGfqSho

Judge's Choice Runner Up: Luisa Rinaudo made this loving portrait of her brother, Sal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMRHY6at36o

People's Choice Winner: 14 year-old Kate Fitzpatrick made this winning video about her sister, Julia:https://www.youtube.com/user/kshljvideos1?feature=mhee

People's Choice Runner Up: Tori Hook made this touching and inspiring video about her two siblings with Down syndrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbnrAcC4hx0

You can Click here to get more information.

Take a Moment to Read the New York Times Magazine Article "A Drug for Down Syndrome."

DSRTF funds research at major research centers, including Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Stanford University, University of California, San Diego, University of Arizona and University of Texas, Austin. Since our founding, DSRTF has awarded over $8,000,000 in grants for Down syndrome cognition research.

Join us or simply stay informed of our progress by clicking here.

Take a Closer Look at plus15

The Campaign One of Them is Me!

TOP Reasons to Give

Our Approach: Our comprehensive and unique Research & Development Pipeline....
Our Results: The leading private source of funding in the U.S. with results including 5 drug targets, 3 candidate drugs....
Current Research: Promising studies at top universities including Stanford, Johns Hopkins, University of California San Diego....

News & Announcements

October 2011

DSRTF Announces 2012 Research Grant Awards -- Research to Accelerate Treaments to Improve Cognition for People with Down syndrome

Palo Alto, CA, October 12, 2011 - The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF) announced today that it will fund leading researchers from major research centers...

September 2011

"Jo n's W orms" - An Article about DSRTF-funded Researcher Jon Pierce-Shimomura

Could microscopic worms be the key to identifying which genes cause problems in people with Down syndrome? For UT researcher Jon Pierce-Shimomura, whose son has the condition, the search is more than just academic. Click here.

August 2011

One eXtra Reason to Live, Love, Hope - Research Rocks!

Approximately 200 people turned out to enjoy a spectacular event, hear an update regarding Down syndrome cognition research, and support DSRTF.

August 2011

DSRTF and the plus15 Campaign attended the NDSC conference in San Antonio this year, making a splash by enlisting the participation of two professional photographers to take portraits of families at the event. The photobooth was inspired by our “One of Them is Me” campaign. Please take a look.

August 2011

Interview of Dr. William Mobley of U.C. San Diego

This interview of DSRTF-funded researcher Dr. William Mobley provides an excellent overview of the basis for Down syndrome cognition research and details exciting advances. It also describes many of the requirements in the translation of academic research to viable therapeutic agents.

July 2011

DSRTF comments regarding the NY Times Magazine article A Drug for Down Syndrome.
As the article points out Down syndrome cognition research is disproportionately underfunded. It was this lack of funding for promising research that motivated a group of parents...

Spring 2011 Newsletter

Down Syndrome Research and
Treatment Foundation

755 Page Mill Road, Suite A-200, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 888.731.5557 | Fax: 650.352.9003
dsrtf@dsrtf.org