A Cognition Boost For Folk With Down's Syndrome?

People with Down's syndrome have an extra chromosome 21. In their 30's, Down's syndrome folk generally show cognitive decline. Mice, with an extra chromosome 16, given regular doses of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) showed improvements in cognitive ability and their sense of smell. This led to a study, of 7 Down's syndrome men, in their late 20's/early 30's. The subjects were fitted with a pump delivering a dose of GnRH every 2 hours for 6 months (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/01/hormone-therapy-may-boost-brain-function-for-people-with-downs-syndrome-study-finds). Tests suggested that 6 out of the 7 participants showed moderate cognitive improvement, compared to an untreated control group. The hormone-treated group showed better attention and enhanced ability to understand instructions. Brain scans of the subjects also suggested improvements in neural connectivity in areas associated with cognition. There are, however, many limitations to this study. The group size was tiny and a traditional double blind design was not used (the subjects with the pumps knew they were getting the hormone treatment). There is debate about whether mice with an extra chromosome 16 are a good model for folk with Down's syndrome. Chromosome numbers, in different species, are somewhat arbitrary. Mouse chromosome 16, however, may not carry the same genes as chromosome 21 in humans. Further, the traditional tests for human cognition may not be wholly effective in Down's syndrome folk. There are also several unanswered questions. Is testosterone (stimulated by GnRH), the active factor in any changes? Could this enhanced androgen production also have unassessed detrimental effects on mood and behaviour? Would GnRH have any effects on females with Down's syndrome? The study is suggestive and is well worth following up. Many issues, however, have to be resolved here.