Research Down Syndrome (RDS) is a non-profit foundation that supports Down syndrome cognitive research, an area that in the last 5 years has experienced great advances towards developing biomedical therapies to treat the cognitive impairment of people of all ages with Down syndrome. The potential of these treatments to address Down syndrome cognitive dysfunction is tremendous - improving memory, learning and communication – and expanding and enhancing life opportunities for these individuals.

Until recently, the medical and research community considered the cognitive impairment associated with Down syndrome to be too complex to understand, offering no hope for the development of treatments. Now scientists have identified unique biological mechanisms associated with cognitive dysfunction in Down syndrome, suggesting the promise of targeted biomedical therapies that could lead to improvement in the intellectual difficulties experienced by those with Down syndrome.

In recent decades, improved health care, expanded educational and community opportunities, and the support of families and advocacy groups has improved the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. As a result, the life expectancy of those with Down syndrome has more than doubled -- underscoring the importance of development of treatments that will assist this population to achieve and maintain independent living. We believe that individuals with Down syndrome should have access to effective drug therapies in a manner consistent with many medical conditions.

Research Down Syndrome(a 501(c)(3) approved foundation) will support world-class scientists with the goal of continuing these revolutionary advances. RDS, through personal contributions and the support of friends, has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Down syndrome cognitive research. This support and RDS’ low administrative costs ensure that 100% of all contributions go directly to research.

Challenger Baseball Goes Undefeated!

The Basking Ridge, NJ Little League’s Challenger Division Angels, sponsored by Research Down Syndrome, recently completed their season with an undefeated record! Despite league rules containing the prerequisite “the game ends in a tie,” this is still an impressive accomplishment. The individual achievements of the players were also extraordinary, as every player managed both to bat 1.000 for the entirety of the season and to score at least one run in every inning.

The Challenger

Lutz family home to get Extreme Makeover!

What a great story.  Extreme Makeover will be rebuilding the home of the Lutz’s, a loving family that over the years has adopted 18 children, including six with Down syndrome. The announcement took place at Yankee Stadium.  Members of the family had the chance to meet some of their Yankee heroes, and watch their favorite team beat the

Scientists identify additional cancer blocking genes on chromosome 21

“It’s incredibly inspiring to know that by studying the genetic make-up of people with Down’s Syndrome we have been able to make important discoveries that help us understand far more about the intricate processes involved in cancer tumour growth.”
So states Professor Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke, from Queen Mary, University of London, commenting on her recently published research which has identified two additional genes on chromosome 21 that in triplicate boosted protection against cancer