Research Down Syndrome (RDS) is a non-profit foundation that supports Down syndrome cognitive research, an area that in the last 5 years has experienced great advances towards developing biomedical therapies to treat the cognitive impairment of people of all ages with Down syndrome. The potential of these treatments to address Down syndrome cognitive dysfunction is tremendous - improving memory, learning and communication – and expanding and enhancing life opportunities for these individuals.

Until recently, the medical and research community considered the cognitive impairment associated with Down syndrome to be too complex to understand, offering no hope for the development of treatments. Now scientists have identified unique biological mechanisms associated with cognitive dysfunction in Down syndrome, suggesting the promise of targeted biomedical therapies that could lead to improvement in the intellectual difficulties experienced by those with Down syndrome.

In recent decades, improved health care, expanded educational and community opportunities, and the support of families and advocacy groups has improved the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. As a result, the life expectancy of those with Down syndrome has more than doubled -- underscoring the importance of development of treatments that will assist this population to achieve and maintain independent living. We believe that individuals with Down syndrome should have access to effective drug therapies in a manner consistent with many medical conditions.

Research Down Syndrome(a 501(c)(3) approved foundation) will support world-class scientists with the goal of continuing these revolutionary advances. RDS, through the support of friends, has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the RDS Foundation and Down syndrome cognitive research. This support and low foundation administrative costs ensure that a greater proportion of your contributions go directly to research.

West Teays Elementary in West Virginia Supports Down Syndrome Cognitive Research

RDS received this wonderful letter in April:

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the students, staff and community of West Teays Elementary, I would like to donate the enclosed check in the amount of $2928.09 to your organization to support the worthwhile work that you do.

In recognition of World Down Syndrome Dan on March 21, we celebrated and honored students in our school and around the world who were born with Down syndrome. Our week long celebration culminated with a Walk-a-Thon on Friday,

First Spouse Light the Way Initiative Observed on World Down Syndrome Day

First Spouses from U.S. states and territories observed for the second year the Light the Way event on World Down Syndrome Day March 21. The goal of the event is to enhance awareness of the rapidly advancing area of Down syndrome cognitive research, which holds great promise for improving memory, learning and communication for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.

Participating First Spouses lit their respective governor residences in the color blue, or recognized the event in a

RDS Thanks Maggie O’Neill Fine Art for March 25 Fundraiser

Research Down Syndrome was privileged to be associated with the Salon Art Party held in Washington, DC on March 25 supporting RDS and Down syndrome cognitive research. Our deepest thanks go to Maggie O’Neill Fine Art and Maggie O’Neill and all the creative artists and volunteers.Your dedication and effort will help us Empower the Extraordinary! Thank you Lincoln, Irish Whiskey Public House, and especially Ross Group at RBC Wealth Management for sponsorship that assured success of this