Down Syndrome Clinics in MA
MDSC collaborates with a number of organizations that are focused primarily on research, including Massachusetts three world-class Down syndrome clinics — MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program, Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program and the Down Syndrome Center at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center.
LuMind IDSC
On October 1, 2018, LuMind IDSC moved its headquarters to Burlington – in the same building where MDSC has been headquartered since 2011. This move provides new opportunities for these two organizations to collaborate and better serve the Down syndrome community in Massachusetts and beyond for the greater good.
Through their collaboration with MDSC, LuMind provides educational research materials, webinars and presentations while MDSC leverages its expertise as the premier organization for Down syndrome information, networking and advocacy in Massachusetts. Empowering families to learn, share and connect is a key part of both the MDSC and LuMind’s missions.
Facebook Groups
The Research and Medical Care Facebook Group is a resource for parents, caregivers and professionals to stay up-to-date on research and medical care as it pertains to individuals with Down syndrome.The LuMind IDSC support groups provide families with online peer-to-peer support. Members connect with other individuals with Down syndrome and their families through a variety of topic-based groups.
Together, our two organizations provide one-of-a-kind access to a broad network of families and professionals in one convenient location. “We are thrilled to partner with LuMind on this meaningful collaboration that will bolster our longstanding mission of serving people with Down syndrome and their families across the lifespan,” said Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director of MDSC. “With exciting research initiatives on the horizon, we are committed to ensuring that the Down syndrome community in Massachusetts and beyond can continue to rely on MDSC for fully-vetted resources, accurate, up-to-date information, and advocacy for full inclusion and participation in society.”
Over the past 35 years, MDSC has been a leader in creating innovative programs that empower individuals, families and professionals with knowledge and support to enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling lives in the community. MDSC programs and best practices have been shared with individuals and organizations in 35 states and 5 countries. The MDSC’s new education, policy and parent support Centers of Excellence will continue to expand the reach of these resources.
Clinical Trial Finder
The Clinical Trial Finder provides families a resource for identifying current clinical trials for individuals with Down syndrome.
Webinar series
The LuMind IDSC webinar series are web-based audio and slide presentations presented by principal investigators of Down syndrome research. Through ongoing educational webinars, families and caregivers can learn about current clinical trials and findings.
LIFE-DSR natural history study
The Longitudinal Investigation For the Enhancement of Down Syndrome Research (LIFE-DSR) study is an observational investigation with the goal to better understand the cognitive and behavioral changes along with the health issues found in adults with Down syndrome as they progress toward Alzheimer’s disease. This will be the first study run in the DS-CTN.
Mission
The mission of LuMind is to stimulate biomedical research that will accelerate the development of treatments to significantly improve cognition, including memory, learning and speech, for individuals with Down syndrome so they participate more successfully in school and employment, lead more active and independent lives, and avoid the early cognitive decline with aging and Alzheimer’s Disease.
