Sessions Hosts Down Syndrome Caucus Meeting With NIH

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) on Wednesday hosted a Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus briefing with the National Institutes of Health on federal funding for Down syndrome research.

As a federal medical research arm, the National Institutes of Health has prioritized nearly $80 million in the past five years for Down syndrome research, focusing on associated medical conditions, aging and family dynamics, cognitive function throughout lifespan, and transitions to independent or assisted living for adults.

At the Caucus briefing, Dr. Yvonne Thompson Maddox, Deputy Director for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH, presented an update on collaborative NIH Down syndrome research, including public-private research partnerships with universities and medical centers. The NIH is funding new grant programs for cognitive development research at $1 million per year for five years. Grant recipients include the following collaborative research projects:

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Predicting Cognitive Decline in Adults with Down Syndrome, University of California, Irvine
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Cognitive Predictors of Language Impairment in Down Syndrome, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
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Aging of Brain Structure and Function in Down Syndrome and Dementia, University of Louisville, Kentucky

"As the parent of a young man with Down syndrome, I am encouraged to hear of research progress in the public and private sectors that can provide critical understanding of the medical conditions and developmental opportunities for people with Down syndrome," Sessions said. "Through interdisciplinary cooperation among NIH Institutes, government health departments, and privately-funded scientists, Down syndrome research can accelerate the development of effective treatments and therapies to improve quality of life."

Co-chaired by Sessions, the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus is designed to educate Members of Congress about Down syndrome and to promote public policies that would enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. Caucus goals include improving outcomes in education, economic opportunities, social integration, and medical and developmental research of Down syndrome.

In 2007, the NIH established a Down Syndrome Taskforce to build collaborative Down syndrome research and development through at least nine government health and research offices. Last year, the Taskforce released the NIH Research Plan for Down Syndrome, which provides a platform for current and future research. Future Taskforce plans also include an NIH website specifically dedicated to Down syndrome issues.

"I look forward to continuing to work with the NIH and Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus members to raise awareness of disability issues, support research, and expand opportunities for people with special needs," Sessions concluded.

In the United States, nearly one out of every 800 births is affected by Down syndrome, which is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46, and they are prone to health complications such as congenital heart defects, infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems, and other medical conditions. For more information, please visit the NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

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