Therapy to improve cognitive function in Down syndrome patients

Written By : Isra Zaman

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2022-09-02 03:30 GMT | Update On 2022-09-02 03:30 GMT

In a study, the researchers sought to determine whether GnRH injection therapy was effective in enhancing the cognitive abilities of a small group of Down syndrome patients. In an animal model of Down syndrome, they discovered GnRH neuron malfunction and its effects on the condition's impairment of cognitive performance.

Then a pilot study later published in Science testing GnRH pulsatile injection therapy was conducted in seven patients. The results were promising : the therapy led to improved cognitive function and brain connectivity.

The scientists were able to demonstrate that restoring physiological GnRH system function restores cognitive and olfactory functions in trisomic mice. The next stage for the scientists and doctors involved a pilot clinical trial in patients to evaluate the effects of this treatment. Seven men with Down syndrome, between 20 and 50 years of age, received one subcutaneous dose of GnRH every two hours for 6 months via a pump placed on the arm. Cognition and olfactory tests as well as MRI exams were performed before and after the treatment.

From the clinical viewpoint, cognitive performance increased in 6 of the 7 patients with better three-dimensional representation, a better understanding of instructions, improved reasoning, attention, and episodic memory. These measures to improve cognitive functions were confirmed by brain imaging which revealed a significant increase in functional connectivity.

Ref:

Science, September 1, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abq4515

Full View

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Isra Zaman

Isra Zaman is a Life Science graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, and a postgraduate in Biotechnology from Amity University. She has a flair for writing, and her roles at Medicaldialogues include that of a Sr. content writer and a medical correspondent. Her news pieces cover recent discoveries and updates from the health and medicine sector. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Therapy to improve cognitive function in Down syndrome patients

Similar News

New AI Tool Accurately Detects Nine Types of Dementia Using Single Brain Scan: Study Shows

Can Electric Fields Help Heal Spinal Cord Injuries? Study Provides Insights

Simple Blood Test Identifies Alzheimer's Patients at Risk of Faster Decline: Study Shows

Cochrane Review Shows Virtual Reality May Help Regain Arm Movement in Stroke Survivors

New Study Links Gestational Hypertension to Increased Seizure Risk in Children

Sleeping 2 Extra Hours on Weekends May Calm Teen Anxiety: Study Suggests

Clinical Trial Shows How One Scan Could Improve Stroke Diagnosis

Can Bacteria in the Mouth Predict Cognitive Decline in People with Parkinson's Disease? Study Finds Out