Browsing by Subject "down syndrome"

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    Specific Susceptibility to COVID-19 in Adults with Down Syndrome
    (Springer, 2021) Illouz, Tomer; Biragyn, Arya; Frenkel‑Morgenstern, Milana; Weissberg, Orly; Gorohovski, Alessandro; Merzon, Eugene; Green, Ilan; Iulita, Florencia; Flores-Aguilar, Lisi; del Mar Dierssen Sotos, Maria; De Toma, Ilario; Lifshitz, Herziba; Antonarakis, Stylianos E.; Yu, Eugene; Herault, Yann; Potier, Marie-Claude; Botté, Alexandra; Roper, Randall; Sredni, Benjamin; Sarid, Ronit; London, Jacqueline; Mobley, William; Strydom, Andre; Okun, Eitan; Biology, School of Science
    The current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, which causes COVID-19, is particularly devastating for individuals with chronic medical conditions, in particular those with Down Syndrome (DS) who often exhibit a higher prevalence of respiratory tract infections, immune dysregulation and potential complications. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is much higher in DS than in the general population, possibly increasing further the risk of COVID-19 infection and its complications. Here we provide a biological overview with regard to specific susceptibility of individuals with DS to SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as data from a recent survey on the prevalence of COVID-19 among them. We see an urgent need to protect people with DS, especially those with AD, from COVID-19 and future pandemics and focus on developing protective measures, which also include interventions by health systems worldwide for reducing the negative social effects of long-term isolation and increased periods of hospitalization.
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    Usage of and attitudes about green tea extract and Epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a therapy in individuals with Down syndrome
    (Elsevier, 2019-08) Long, Rachel; Drawbaugh, Montana L.; Davis, Charlene M.; Goodlett, Charles R.; Williams, Jane R.; Roper, Randall J.; Biology, School of Science
    Objective Usage of and views concerning alternative therapies in the DS community are not well documented. Some positive effects of green tea extracts (GTE) containing Epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG) have been reported in individuals with DS and DS mouse models, but minimal improvements or detrimental effects of pure EGCG treatment have been reported in DS mouse models. Given the uncertainty about the effectiveness of these supplements, the goal of this study was to determine the relative prevalence of and attitudes about GTE/EGCG treatments among DS caregivers. Methods An anonymous survey about attitudes and usage of GTE/EGCG in individuals with DS was completed by caregivers of these individuals. Results GTE/EGCG treatment was provided by 18% of responding caregivers who were mostly younger, highly educated, and utilized scientific sources and other parents to influence their decision to use GTE/EGCG. Individuals with DS who received GTE/EGCG were characterized as less severely disabled. Most caregivers who did not give GTE/EGCG reported concerns about potential side effects and lack of effectiveness. Few caregivers consulted with medical providers about GTE/EGCG usage. Conclusions These results demonstrate a need for communication between caregivers, medical providers, and scientists about potential benefits and risks for adverse effects of GTE, EGCG, and other nutritional supplements in individuals with DS.