Conference articles
The biennial T21RS International Conference is the premier scientific meeting for Down syndrome research, attracting basic and clinical scientists and practitioners from around the world. With plenty of opportunities for networking and debating, this informal international meeting will bring you up to date with current research and thinking regarding Down syndrome.
COVID-19 related articles
The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This virus may cause additional challenges for people who are already vulnerable and particularly those who struggle with existing health conditions, such as Down syndrome individuals.
T21RS has performed several initiatives involving many of its members to better understand the risk and to inform appropriate recommendations to protect individuals with Down syndrome and follow up the vaccination efficacy against COVID-19 on this population.
T21RS investigators found that adults with Down syndrome were roughly three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. This increased risk was especially apparent after the fifth decade of life: A 40-year-old with Down syndrome had a similar risk of dying from COVID-19 as someone 30 years older in the general population. However, as in the general population, the risk of death in younger people and children with Down syndrome was considerably lower than in older adults. This findings support the need to prioritize vaccination for those with the genetic disorder.