Vaccine Being Tested To Prevent Dementia In People With Down Syndrome

BOSTON (CBS) – Local researchers are testing an experimental vaccine that may not only prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome, but in those without Down syndrome as well. People with Down syndrome are at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s-like dementia at a very young age. Michael Clayburgh, 29, has Down syndrome, but that doesn’t hold him back. “Michael has three jobs,” says Nancy Novelline Clayburgh, Michael’s mom.  “He works at Target, McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts.” Dr. Brian Skotko and Michael Clayburgh (WBZ-TV) He’s also quite the Special Olympics athlete, but perhaps Michael’s greatest contribution will be a scientific one. “He could be a major factor in finding the cure to Alzheimer’s,” explains Nancy. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21.  One of the genes on that chromosome can lead to plaque build-up in the brain. “That goop in the brain when it starts to come together can really disrupt neuronal function and lead to the dementia that’s associated with Alzheimer’s,” explains Dr. Brian Skotko, director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. He says up to 50 percent of people with Down syndrome will develop dementia by age 50.  He worries about his 38-year-old sister, Kristin, who also has Down syndrome. Dr. Brian Skotko and his sister Kristin (WBZ-TV) “Because of her I wanted to become a doctor, and one day I wanted to be able to do res...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Boston News Health Healthwatch Seen On WBZ-TV Syndicated Local Alzheimer's Disease Dementia Down Syndrome Dr. Mallika Marshall Source Type: news