Research Summary
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 733 live births. It is caused most often by an abnormality during cell division in gamete formation called nondysjunction. As a result, the fertilized egg will contain three copies of chromosome 21. The extra chromosome interferes with normal growth and development.
Dr. Capone and his colleagues are committed to research that explores the neurobiologic basis of cognitive impairment and co-morbid neurobehavioral and psychiatric disorders associated with Down Syndrome.
Dr. Capone’s current research projects include:
- A multi-center, double-blind placebo study in collaboration with Duke University testing the usefulness of an FDA approved drug, Rivastigmine, on memory and language function in children with Down syndrome ages 10-17 years.
- A multi-center pilot study, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University for children with Down syndrome ages 7-17 years, to determine the usefulness of computer-based testing to measure visual memory and movement. Some standardized testing will also be performed, and your child's test results will be made available to you.
- Roche Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring a study at Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University for adults with Down syndrome between 18 and 30 years of age. The purpose is to study the safety and tolerability of a new drug that have been developed to improve attention and memory.
Selected Publications
Capone GT, Aidikoff JM, Taylor K, and Rykiel N. “Adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome presenting to a medical clinic with depression: co-morbid obstructive sleep apnea.” American journal of medical genetics. 2013 Sep; Part A. 161(9), 2188-96.
Capone GT. “The emergence of pharmacotherapies for cognitive function in Down syndrome.” American journal of medical genetics. 2010 Dec;Part A. 152A(12), 3026-7.
Trois MS, Capone GT, Lutz JA, Melendres MC, Schwartz AR, Collop NA, et al. “Obstructive sleep apnea in adults with Down syndrome.. Journal of clinical sleep medicine” JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 2009 Aug 15;5(4):317-23.
Carter JC, Capone GT, and Kaufmann WE. “Neuroanatomic correlates of autism and stereotypy in children with Down syndrome.” Neuroreport. 2008 Apr 16;19(6):653-6.
Capone GT, Goyal P, Grados M, Smith B, and Kammann H. “Risperidone use in children with Down syndrome, severe intellectual disability, and comorbid autistic spectrum disorders: a naturalistic study.” Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics. 2008 Apr;29(2):106-16.
