Brains

Primitive reflexes are automatic baby movements that usually disappear as the brain matures. When they don’t integrate properly, they can affect motor and cognitive skills. Many kids with Down syndrome show these retained reflexes, which can make balance, coordination, and attention harder. Therapies using gentle movements and sensory experiences to “turn off” these old reflexes and may be able to help kids move and learn better.

Down syndrome affects not just chromosome 21 but impacts gene expression across the entire genome, alters how genes are epigenetically regulated and spatially organized, causes long-lasting brain inflammation, and disrupts cellular metabolism. These interconnected changes influence brain development and function, but new therapies targeting these areas offer hope for improved cognition and health.

When explaining synaptogenesis to other parents, picture the brain as a symphony orchestra. The synapses are the crucial musical passages, those precise moments and notes where one instrument hands the melody to another, creating harmony and flow. In Down syndrome, we see fewer and weaker passages; the melody struggles to move smoothly between sections, so the music doesn’t sound as clear or coordinated. The brain’s communication system isn’t broken, but plays a complex tune

Discover how changes in glial cells and myelination affect early brain development in Down syndrome. Learn why slower brain “wiring” impacts learning and memory, and how understanding this support network can empower families to follow through with therapies and patience.

Discover how reduced neurogenesis shapes early brain development in Down syndrome. Learn how fewer neurons and altered timing impact cognition, memory, and learning—and why its important for families to understand these changes and pursue early intervention.

Series note : There is a fantastic review (current state of scientific understanding) by Russo, Sousa, and Bhattacharyya out of...

Refresh your memory or learn more about gray matter. Neurons and glia work together to create a beautiful symphony of thought and action.

In Down syndrome, underlying changes from the cellular level compound to produce noticeable differences compared to neurotypical brains. How do those differences relate to typical strengths and weaknesses in Down syndrome?