VITAMINS: DOWN SYNDROME
Question: Can Down's syndrome be treated with piracetam and nutritional supplements?
Answer: Several treatments have been proposed to improve the function of children with Down's syndrome. Unfortunately, little information supports any treatment at this time. Two treatments, however, are currently under investigation. One of the treatments uses very large doses of vitamin and mineral supplements. The other treatment uses a relatively new class of drugs known as nosotropic drugs. These drugs are thought to improve cognitive function. The one now being studied in the treatment of Down's syndrome is called piracetam. The drug is not available in the United States but is sold under the names Nootropyl, Cerebroforte, and Avigilen, in Europe.
The impact of megadoses of vitamins and minerals on Down's syndrome has been studied before. In 1981, a regimen of vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements was reported effective. Later, a more rigorous study using a larger number of children with Down's syndrome found no benefit from large doses of vitamins and minerals. The current study compares a vitamin and mineral regimen with a series of early intervention programs designed to improve cognitive function.
Exactly how piracetam and other nosotropic drugs work remains unclear. In animal studies, piracetam aids learning and memory, and in studies of children with dyslexia, it has been shown to improve reading speed. However, improvements to mental functioning have been difficult to reproduce in people with other conditions. Piracetam has shown to be helpful--to varying degrees--in the treatment of alcohol-related mental disturbances, certain neuromuscular disorders, vertigo (dizziness), and a blood disorder called sickle cell disease. We don't know yet whether children with Down's syndrome will benefit from piracetam.
