Down Syndrome
www.downsyndrometreatment.net

As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, I know what you're going through. Having a child with DS can be challenging, but it is also filled with many beautiful and heart-warming moments, just like raising any other child. Finding some kind of support system is very important whether that's through family and friends or with other parents of DS children. Contacting the NWDSA can be a good start if you're looking for more support.
Although Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, it can be treated. Researchers have been able to figure out why long term memory and learning are difficult for those with DS. One of the biggest culprits is GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid). This is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It actually decreases electrochemical activity of neurons in the brain and the body, contributing to low muscle tone and developmental delay. Dr. Peirson often prescribes it to patients (without DS) for anxiety, signs of physical tension or insomnia. It's been found that children and adults with DS have overactive GABA receptors.

Ginkgo biloba is a natural GABA inhibitor and is very effective at increasing memory. It has historically been used in elderly patients to improve memory. It's also a powerful antioxidant and improves blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is effective at lowering GABA levels in patients with DS and ultimately improves memory and learning. Many children and adults with DS suffer from circulatory problems as well. Ginkgo can help both circulation and memory. Taking the right dose is key. Taking too much, especially in children, can cause seizures. Taking too little can just be ineffective. It's important to work with an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner when starting a Ginkgo regimen. Dr. Peirson starts with testing GABA levels from the patient's urine. This is collected in the comfort of the patient's home. It's important to test before starting Ginkgo therapy to get a baseline level.
Other supplements and nutrients that are helpful for memory, focus and general brain support are phosphatidylcholine, DHA and ECGC. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major component of all cellular membranes. It's been shown to improve memory and brain function. When we're born our cells are composed of about 90% PC and as we age it can drop to as little as 10%. Babies with Down syndrome can lose up to 50% of their neuronal structures by 6 months of age due to low levels of PC. Supplementation can help ensure optimal levels of PC in the brain. In addition, taking a blend of omega-3-6-9 oil can greatly assist in reducing inflammation that can affect the brain. Healthy fats are good for any brain, but are particularly important for those with DS. Healthy fats also help to reduce inflammation which can increase the chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease, a common concern in aging adults with DS.
Proper nutrition is also very important. Many children with DS have feeding difficulties and will only eat soft foods. It's important to find ways to give them healthy foods given this obstacle. Children adapt their taste for things according to what is offered to them. Pureed vegetables can be added and hidden in soft foods like mac and cheese, etc.. Dr. Peirson recommends books like "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld. Good nutrition is important for any developing brain. It's even more important for infants and children with DS.
Many studies have shown that children with DS are deficient in many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, zinc, selenium, folic acid, B12 and many others. Providing extra levels of these vitamins and minerals, when needed, to children with DS can greatly improve their cognitive and physical development. Weeding through all of the research and tackling proper supplementation on your own can be overwhelming. It's Dr. Peirson's job to be up on all of the new research and ways to best help your child.
You can visit the website for The Down Syndrome Treatment Center of Oregon to find out more. Dr. Peirson founded this treatment center in order to specifically help children with Down syndrome.
Providing early intervention via physical and speech therapy can improve a child's ability to integrate into preschool and kindergarten. Dr. Peirson's experience with Multnomah County Early Childhood Program (MECP) has been wonderful and provided her with the support she needed to help her son do his best. She highly recommends every parent of a child with any disability or developmental delay who lives in Multnomah County to get in touch with MECP.
Please contact Dr. Peirson if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to explore more of how you can help your child.
Other supplements and nutrients that are helpful for memory, focus and general brain support are phosphatidylcholine, DHA and ECGC. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major component of all cellular membranes. It's been shown to improve memory and brain function. When we're born our cells are composed of about 90% PC and as we age it can drop to as little as 10%. Babies with Down syndrome can lose up to 50% of their neuronal structures by 6 months of age due to low levels of PC. Supplementation can help ensure optimal levels of PC in the brain. In addition, taking a blend of omega-3-6-9 oil can greatly assist in reducing inflammation that can affect the brain. Healthy fats are good for any brain, but are particularly important for those with DS. Healthy fats also help to reduce inflammation which can increase the chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease, a common concern in aging adults with DS.
Proper nutrition is also very important. Many children with DS have feeding difficulties and will only eat soft foods. It's important to find ways to give them healthy foods given this obstacle. Children adapt their taste for things according to what is offered to them. Pureed vegetables can be added and hidden in soft foods like mac and cheese, etc.. Dr. Peirson recommends books like "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld. Good nutrition is important for any developing brain. It's even more important for infants and children with DS.
Many studies have shown that children with DS are deficient in many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, zinc, selenium, folic acid, B12 and many others. Providing extra levels of these vitamins and minerals, when needed, to children with DS can greatly improve their cognitive and physical development. Weeding through all of the research and tackling proper supplementation on your own can be overwhelming. It's Dr. Peirson's job to be up on all of the new research and ways to best help your child.
You can visit the website for The Down Syndrome Treatment Center of Oregon to find out more. Dr. Peirson founded this treatment center in order to specifically help children with Down syndrome.
Providing early intervention via physical and speech therapy can improve a child's ability to integrate into preschool and kindergarten. Dr. Peirson's experience with Multnomah County Early Childhood Program (MECP) has been wonderful and provided her with the support she needed to help her son do his best. She highly recommends every parent of a child with any disability or developmental delay who lives in Multnomah County to get in touch with MECP.
Please contact Dr. Peirson if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to explore more of how you can help your child.