Aging with Down Syndrome-Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?

Down syndrome (DS) is a form of accelerated aging, and people with DS are highly prone to aging-related conditions that include vascular and neurological disorders. Due to the overexpression of several genes on Chromosome 21, for example genes encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and some of the interferon receptors, those with DS exhibit significant accumulation of amyloid, phospho-tau, oxidative stress, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in the brain as they age. In this review, we will summarize the major strides in this research field that have been made in the last few decades, as well as discuss where we are now, and which research areas are considered essential for the field in the future. We examine the scientific history of DS bridging these milestones in research to current efforts in the field. We extrapolate on comorbidities associated with this phenotype and highlight clinical networks in the USA and Europe pursuing clinical research, concluding with funding efforts and recent recommendations to the NIH regarding DS research.

Automated summary

Down syndrome is a form of accelerated aging due to the overexpression of multiple genes on Chromosome 21, leading to a predisposition to aging-related conditions and significant accumulation of abnormalities in the brain. This review highlights the major advancements in research over the past few decades, current research status, and essential areas for future studies, as well as discussing comorbidities and clinical research efforts in the United States and Europe. The review also addresses funding efforts and recent recommendations to the NIH regarding research on Down syndrome.