News and Events :: DS Research News

Stanford’s Down Syndrome Breakthrough
ABC 7 (KGO) News
Heather Ishimaru

July 6, 2006-

Seven-year-old Amy White borrowed our ABC7 microphone to sing one of her favorite songs, the Happy Birthday song. It's not her birthday, but it is a day worth celebrating.

Scientists have made a breakthrough that could help Down Syndrome children like Amy. A team led by Stanford neurologist William Mobley have found a single gene critical to learning and memory.

Therapy targeting that gene could improve Amy's ability to learn, and the same therapy could reduce the effects of early-onset Alzheimers, a common disease among Down Syndrome adults.

Dr. William Mobley, MD, Ph.D.: "It gives a little bit of light, hope... along that will help them."

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