Research

The DSA provides funding for ongoing research into areas that are of potential benefit to people with Down's syndrome. We identify new areas for research, and support research projects of other organisations where appropriate. Following is a list of some of the key research projects for which we have provided funding.

Completed research

  • Randomised trial of supplementation with antioxidants and folinic acid for children with Down syndrome - the results of this were published in the British Medical Journal on 26th Feb 2008 (Vol 336/Issue 7641). Read or download the final report here:  Vitamins & Minerals Research 105.30 Kb
  • Research into pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) in women with Down's syndrome -  Read or download the results of this research here:  PMS Research 2006 708.72 Kb

Ongoing/planned research

  • Frequency of mental health problems in young adults with Downs syndrome - Prevention and treatment of mental health problems in persons with Down syndrome (DS) remains an under-resourced area of healthcare provision in the UK. While services for children and adults with DS continues to be the focus of ongoing research and service development, very little interest has been given to younger adults with Down Syndrome (18 -35 years age group). This project will address this fundamental need.
  • The physiological and psychosocial outcomes of exercise training programs on individuals with Down's syndrome - Research suggests that people with Down's syndrome have a lower cardio-respiratory capacity compared with other populations, including other people with learning disabilities. The PhD will investigate this and various other issues to determine the holistic effect of exercise training for people with Down's syndrome.
  • An investigation to establish the population of people with Down's Syndrome - This project will examine present demographics and all aspects of service provision presently available in Northern Ireland for the population of people with DS, their families and other carers.
  • Voice quality in Down's syndrome and how it relates to intelligibility - This is the first project specifically addressing the mechanics of speech for people with Down's syndrome.
  • Imaging Brain Amyloid in Adults with Down's Syndrome with Pittsburgh Compound-B - For the first time there is now the possibility of measuring the amount of amyloid in a person's brain safely during life by using a special brain scanning technique and a chemical called Pittsburgh Compound-B. We are seeking support for a pilot study to use this technique to measure levels of brain amyloid in people with DS and to see whether the amount of amyloid in the brain determines whether the person with DS has developed dementia or not. If this is shown to be the case, then drugs can be developed that prevent amyloid deposition and which might then prevent the development of Alzheimers Disease in the first place.

To find out more about when these projects are due to finish and the balance of funding still required, please contact Paul Zanon on 0845 230 0372 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it