Marrus, Natasha MD

INCLUDE Grants​

A Longitudinal MRI Study Characterizing Very Early Brain Development in Infants with Down Syndrome

Marrus, Natasha

Down's syndrome (DS), the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, is associated with a wide range of cognitive and behavioral impairments. Through the use of cutting edge MRI technology that allows us to look at the shape, function, and connections within the brain, we will be able to study and better understand early brain development in infants with DS. Working toward the goal to be able to assess the impact of specific early intervention therapies that are most helpful in improving the developmental outcomes of children with DS. This study mirrors and expands on the study designs and techniques that were developed to study infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Fragile X, and typically developing infants, and will allow us to further our understanding of maturation patterns of infant brains that we can apply to DS, ASD, Fragile X, and other disabilities.

The Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study

Hazlett, Heather CodyMarrus, Natasha

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, yet progress has been very limited in understanding how early brain development in DS relates to long-term functional outcomes. In this project, the Infant Brain Imaging Study, a team with over 15 years’ of experience in infant neuroimaging, will collect comprehensive, state-of-the-art brain and behavioral data in infants with DS at ages 6, 12, and 24 months, with collection at five clinical sites across the U.S. These data will allow identification and tracking of early brain differences in DS and their relationships to behavior, which can help guide intervention research aimed at improving developmental outcomes.