Are there any cures for Down syndrome?

Right now the answer is no. There are no cures for Down syndrome.

However, that doesn’t mean the symptoms of Down syndrome can’t be addressed. Today there are many therapies and medical advances available to help make your child’s life even better.

What’s New?

Most of the other issues associated with Down syndrome have been addressed through different therapies. Now, with newer technologies and private funding, Down syndrome is being studied in a way it has never been studied before.

Scientists used to believe Down syndrome was incurable because it was too complex to understand. Now scientists have identified some of the actual genes on our DNA that are involved in Down syndrome. It’s very exciting.

The more they know, the more they can use that knowledge to apply treatments to help the brain function better. In fact, there is a study going on right now in San Diego (2008) that uses certain drugs to help the brain think better.

That’s huge! Think of how children with Down syndrome struggle to learn certain things. They learn, but sometimes it’s at a much slower pace. If this drug treatment works, think of how much easier learning—and life—will be for them.

And if this particular treatment isn’t the right one, scientists will keep studying. They will never stop until they find something that will help. The research is too exciting!

What is Cognitive Function, anyway?

It’s the process the brain goes through in order to think and transform thought into action. Things like making decisions, planning, and identifying and determining different situations are all a part of the cognitive function process. It’s so much more detailed than a simple I.Q. test.

For instance, some people are better at art then spelling. And some are better at math then writing. Some people are good at many things but can’t find their car keys to save their life. Some are extremely organized but aren’t creative. It’s not a matter of how smart you are but a matter of how well your brain works.

There are no cures for Down syndrome currently. Even this promising drug treatment along with other therapies are not cures for Down syndrome. But we are getting better and better at treating the symptoms that get in the way of having a good, quality life.


But what if I don’t want a cure? My child is perfect the way he is. I don’t want him to change.

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