Albert Costa is looking to treat Down syndrome with
medication. He received the idea when
his daughter was born with the condition.
He is using his knowledge as a neuroscientist to help make the drug more
effective.
Costa named the drug memantine which he gave to 40 adults
with Down’s Syndrome. He states the drug
could make a person’s memory better. It
could also make them smarter. Some
support systems are pleased with the drug.
However, Costa does have his critics. Other support systems say that memantine
could change a person with Down’s syndrome personality. It was found in a Canadian report that 27%
percent of support systems wouldn’t accept medicine for Down’s syndrome if
given the choice.
“From that day, we bonded immediately,” Costa stated. “All I
could think is, She’s my baby, she’s a lovely girl and what can I do to help
her? Obviously I was a physician and a neuroscientist who studies the brain.
Here was this new life in front of me and holding my finger and looking
straight in my eyes. How could I not think in terms of helping that kid?”
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