Over 90% of People with Down Syndrome Who Live Past 57 Develop Alzheimer’s Disease
Our brilliant researchers at Harvard Mass General are working tirelessly to change that — thanks to the support of generous donors like you.
Thank You for Supporting a Chance at a Better Future
SUPPORTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ABOUT THE LINK BETWEEN DOWN SYNDROME AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Get to Know Our Down Syndrome Foundation Based in Shreveport, Louisiana
For decades, people born with Down syndrome were sentenced to short lives without the care and support they. need to thrive. In the modern day, individuals with Down syndrome can live happy, fulfilling lives and live longer than ever before. However, as they live longer, it has been discovered that there may be a link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease that contributes to a higher likelihood of developing the disease.
Upwards of 90% of people born with Down syndrome who live past 57 develop Alzheimer’s disease. At Libbi Thomas Foundation in Shreveport, LA, we’re supporting research and studies into the link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's across the country.
What Kind of Research Do We Fund?
Our Down syndrome foundation supports researchers and scientists who are working hard to establish fact-based findings about the link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. With the support of our funding and the grants we offer, researchers hope to answer questions like:
Why do certain people develop Alzheimer's disease in their early 40’s and others not until their late 60’s?
Why do some people with brain changes characteristic of Alzheimer's never show symptoms of the disease?
Why do some individuals with Down syndrome develop dementia while others don’t?
WHO WAS LIBBI THOMAS?
On November 4th, 1960, Libbi Thomas was born premature, weighing just four pounds, and with Down syndrome. At a time when most babies with Down syndrome were sent to homes to be cared for, Libbi's parents were determined to bring her home.
Libbi grew up to be a light in the lives of all who knew her. She was a creature of habit and loved to play practical jokes.
She overcame every obstacle in her life until she began to develop symptoms of Alzheimer's disease at 54. At age 60, Libbi passed away at her home, surrounded by her family and listening to her favorite songs.
After her passing, Libbi's family started our Down syndrome foundation to support the researchers, share Libbi's inspiring story and share other stories like hers.
Our Mission
Learn more about our mission & the goals of our foundation.
What We Do
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Faces of the Future
See the smiling faces & read the stories of the people we’re fighting for.
Take Action
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