The Basics

Recent studies of the human genome have resulted in understanding of how certain genetic conditions develop. In the case of Trisomy 21 some strong evidence has risen in these studies that suggest some of the contributing factors can be uncovered preconception, thereby reducing the risks of chromosomal segregation errors. If you don’t know what that last part mean, don’t worry, read this article and you will quickly get it!

Every parent of a child with Down syndrome knows their child was born with an additional 21st chromosome, but what does that mean? It means that the physical differences that are visible on the surface are just the tip of the iceberg. Call it G-d (my preference) or nature, human beings are designed to function with 46 chromosomes and the compliment of genes located on those chromosomes. The human brain and body is not equipped to deal with excess genes. Most of the genes on the extra chromosome are silent. They do not function. Read on for what we know about those that are active.

As we have learned in the previous lesson, there are many extra enzymes and proteins as a result of the extra copy of chromosome 21. In understanding why excess proteins can damage the brain, first you need a good working knowledge of how informative travels in the brain from neuron to neuron. Read on to learn more about this so you can understand how certain natural substances can help regulate this overactivity that we will discuss in the following lessons.

There are three ways foods or food substances may prevent a protein from doing harm. Being extra proteins are a known issue for individuals with Down Syndrome, understanding how to prevent them from doing harm is crucial.

One of the most challenging questions in neuroscience is to dissect how learning and memory, the foundational pillars of cognition, are grounded in stable, yet plastic, gene expression state. The point is, the ability to manipulate gene over expression in DS is recognized as not just theoretical but completely possible.

Down Syndrome is extremely complicated. Addressing one area of this metabolic, neurodegenerative disease will have little, if any effect and certainly, no benefit in the long term. However addressing multiple genes, neurotransmitters and biochemical disruptions at the same time will produce a lasting beneficial outcome. One area, as mentioned above, is the radical imbalance in neurotransmitters.

THE FDA PROHIBITS EVEN INDIVIDUALS FROM MAKING CLAIMS FOR NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IN THE POTENTIAL TREATMENT OF DISEASE. THE FOLLOWING MENTION OF NUTRIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IS PROVIDED BASED ONLY ON THE ATTACHED RESE…