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.  Read about our results.

May is for Celebrating Mom with DSRTF

We each know mothers who give their children the most precious gifts there are: unconditional love, unflagging advocacy, and a commitment to giving them their best chance for fulfillment.

Mother's Day may be over, but through the end of May we're offering you the chance to show these remarkable women how much you appreciate them by giving a gift in their honor. Your donation supports urgent biomedical research that will enable their children to participate more successfully in schoollead more active and independent lives; and avoid the early onset of Alzheimer's disease.

This is a distinctive, personal way to give your admiration of the special mothers, grandmothers, and wives in your life a tangible form — and to signal your shared dedication to building a secure, successful future for the children we all cherish.

Donations of $1,000 and more will be matched 1:1 thanks to a generous challenge gift. Please select "Mother's Day 2013" on our donation form to ensure proper attribution.

Webinar Recording: Down Syndrome Cognition Research 101

Scientists used to think the intellectual disability conferred by Down syndrome was too complex to treat. But thanks to the enormous strides researchers have made, we now believe that it's not only possible to improve cognition through drug treatment, but that the goal of improved learning, memory, and speech for people with DS may be within reach.

In this special World Down Syndrome Day event we introduced the basics of cognition research, discussed current research initiatives, and reported on clinical trials now underway. Presenters from DSRTF and Roche, the global health care company, offered an informative, accessible presentation appropriate for those new to the topic, and answered audience questions.  Our thanks to those who participated. Review the recording here.

NIH Announces Down Syndrome Patient Registry

We're gratified and excited to pass along the NIH's announcement that it will fund the development of a national registry specifically for people with Down syndrome.  This centralized information clearinghouse will facilitate communication among families, researchers, clinicians, and patient groups, and will be crucial, says DSRTF's Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Michael Harpold, to facilitating and supporting new clinical studies and trials for the benefit of people with DS. We look forward to the enhanced information sharing it will allow, and we thank the NIH for its continued service to the DS community. Read more at the plus15 Blog.

Announcing the 2012-2013 Recipients of DSRTF Research Grants

Each year, in keeping with our mission to further progress towards treatments to improve learning, memory, and speech in people with Down syndrome, DSRTF offers funding opportunities to scientists working in the field of cognition research — work that would not be possible, say researchers, without DSRTF’s support.  We thank these exceptional investigators for their dedication and innovation, and are proud to announce our material support of their efforts.


Roche's groundbreaking clinical trials

Global health care company Roche continues its landmark investigations into therapies for Down syndrome with its ongoing clinical trials. Learn more about these efforts, and find out how to participate.

 

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....

Upcoming Events

 

May 2013

Drive for Downs

Scott LaMorte, father of six-year-old Emma, thinks spring is a lovely time for a drive — eight days on legendary Route 66, from Chicago to LA!  He's logging those miles and collecting donations in support of cognition research. You can follow his ride and donate here. We thank Scott for taking DSRTF along for the ride!

 

May 31, 2013

DS Cognition Research: A Mother's Perspective

This month our webinar gives a mother’s perspective on cognition research, featuring moms you can relate to: women who celebrate their children’s strengths, while realistically acknowledging the challenges they face.  We're honored to be joined by Down Syndrome Education International's Professor Sue Buckley. Register now, then join us on Friday, May 31 at 1 PM ET for this special presentation — and share the love with the moms you know who might like to join us, too.

 

June 1, 2013

We Have Hope

Once again the Taylor family hosts this annual event in the Richmond, VA area in honor of their daughter, Hope.  On Saturday, June 1, friends will gather for tapas, sangria, and dancing — thank you to the Taylors for making DSRTF part of your special night! 

June 2, 2013

Down Syndrome Cognition Research Update

We're pleased and proud to present this free informational session featuring some of the researchers DSRTF supports, Dr. Craig Garner, Dr. Craig Heller, and Dr. Ahmed Salehi. Join us on the campus of Stanford University on Sunday, June 2 at 10:30 AM for your chance to hear directly from scientists in the field about their current projects and clinical trials now underway — learn more and RSVP here.

 

June 10, 2013

Ashley Rose Golf Classic

The beautiful Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket, VA is the setting for this tournament in honor of "awesome Ashley"! Now in its third year, this event will include continental breakfast, complimentary beverages, and an awards dinner, as well as a silent auction, door prizes, and contests. Register now and join the fun on Monday, June 10!

 

June 18, 2013

Hayes Mechanical Golf Outing

Chicago contracting company Hayes Mechanical presents its sixth annual Golf Outing to benefit DSRTF. Year after year, this flagship event keeps growing in popularity, with more than half a million dollars raised for Down syndrome cognition research. Save the date for this year's event, which promises to be bigger and better than ever!

 

June 28-30, 2013

Let the Angels In

Join dancer Juliet Dolan and Alexander’s Angels for a night of magic the weekend of June 28, 29, and 30 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. Juliet, a recent graduate from Queens College, is donating all proceeds from this production, her first, to Alexander’s Angels — her sister Jillian, who has DS, will be a guest performer. Tickets and directions are available online for this unforgettable show.

 

July 19-21, 2013

NDSC Convention

DSRTF will participate in the 41st annual convention of the National Down Syndrome Congress in Denver, CO, July 19-21. Look for us at our session titled New Possibilities in DS Research: DSRTF Works Deliver Improved Cognition for People with DS — and stop by our booth to say hello!

 

Past Events

 

April 27, 2013

Jackapalooza

Friends made beautiful music together at this Chicago-area benefit to support DSRTF. Young musicians wowed listeners at this charity concert — our thanks to all who attended, and to the students who generously shared their time and talents to bring us this magical night!


March 21, 2013

Webinar: Introduction to Down Syndrome Cognition Research

In this special World Down Syndrome Day event, we introduced the basics of cognition research, discuss current research initiatives, and report on clinical trials now underway. Presenters from DSRTF and Roche Pharmaceuticals offered an informative, accessible presentation appropriate for those new to the topic, and answered audience questions. Thank you all for participating! Replay the presentation here.

January 29, 2013

Webinar: Dr. H. Craig Heller

Dr. Heller, an expert in the area of sleep and co-director of Stanford's Down Syndrome Research Center, joined us for our January webinar to discuss the roles that sleep and circadian rhythm may play in the cognitive impairment that occurs in people with DS, and described the potential of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) to improve cognition. View his presentation.

December 4, 2012
Webinar: Affiliate Roundtable

DSRTF hosted its first-ever roundtable for leaders of regional affiliate groups to introduce them to DS cognition research and our role in moving it forward, and to learn about their concerns and priorities. Thank you to each leader who participated — it's a pleasure to get to know you.

 

October 27, 2012

First Annual Funding Futures Benefit

Delicious food, great music, fabulous raffle prizes and friendship at one of Chicago's best-loved brewpubs -- all to support DSRTF and the groundbreaking cognition research we fund. This was truly an event to remember. Our thanks to all our Chicago friends who made it such a success!


View more past events »

 

Down Syndrome Research and
Treatment Foundation

225 Cedar Hill Street  Marlborough, MA  01752
Phone: 508.630.2177
dsrtf@dsrtf.org

Down Syndrome Research and
Treatment Foundation

225 Cedar Hill Street  Marlborough, MA  01752
Phone: 508.630.2177
dsrtf@dsrtf.org

© 2012 Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation. All Rights Reserved.