14 DAY TRIAL // A team of scientists working with the Monash University in Australia now plan to roll out a clinical study whose purpose is that of figuring out whether or not an ingredient normally found in cough syrup and other similar cold medicine might help improve on the learning and cognitive abilities of Down syndrome patients.
The researchers explain that this ingredient, known to the scientific community as BTD-001, was at one point used to treat dementia in the elderly.
By the looks of it, the dementia patients who were given this type of medication responded well to the treatment, meaning that both their memory skills and their cognitive abilities appeared to improve.
However, all of these experiments, which were carried out in the ‘50s and ‘60s, were small-scale ones, and no firm conclusions were ever reached, The Inquisitr says.
Due to the fact that the cognitive issues associated with senile dementia are fairly similar to those of Down syndrome, said ingredient might prove efficient in tackling the latter medical condition's symptoms.
“BTD-001 is a form of a drug product approved and used widely in many countries around the world from the 1920's until the 1980's to treat respiratory conditions and senile dementia (memory loss in the elderly),” the researcher write on the official website for this clinical trial.
“In this clinical study, BTD-001 will be given at lower doses than those used in the past. Past use of higher doses was considered generally safe and well tolerated,” they go on to add.
This clinical trial is to first and foremost focus on how well teenagers and youth suffering with Down syndrome can tolerate being administered BTD-001.
As well as this, the researchers wish to investigate how their memory, language skills, reaction time, ability to carry out daily activities and overall behavior are affected by said cough syrup ingredient.
“The potential efficacy of BTD-001 in Down syndrome is supported by strong scientific evidence,” the researchers wished to reassure ordinary folks.
Those wishing to volunteer for this clinical study can do so here.