In this episode, hosts Sarah Soell and Kathy Trout take a closer look at medical diagnoses commonly associated with individuals with Down syndrome. This conversation isn’t meant to alarm but to empower families, caregivers, and advocates with knowledge about what to watch for and how to better support their loved ones throughout life.

A special focus of this episode highlights the groundbreaking INCLUDE Project (Investigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome) — a national research effort that is transforming how we understand and address medical conditions impacting individuals with Down syndrome.

Launched in 2018 at the direction of Congress, the INCLUDE Project supports vital research into conditions such as:

• Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• Autism
• Cataracts
• Celiac disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Diabetes

The project emphasizes the critical need to include individuals with Down syndrome in clinical trials, ensuring that research and treatments are informed by their unique needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Common medical diagnoses associated with Down syndrome
• How families can be proactive in monitoring health
• The role and importance of the INCLUDE Project
• How clinical trials can drive better outcomes for the Down syndrome community

Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or advocate, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of medical care and research for individuals with Down syndrome.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about the INCLUDE Project through the NIH INCLUDE Project website
• More DSACO resources: www.dsaco.org
• Have ideas for future podcast topics? Email us at info@dsaco.org!