We warmly welcome you to join us for a:

Brain Train: SMART Actions That Might Boost Cognition and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Down Syndrome Workshop

Two of the most common, yet challenging, questions that Dr. Skotko is asked by caregivers: (1) How can you prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome? (2) How might we boost their cognition? While exciting research is unfolding in laboratories across the world, there are strategies that caregivers can take right now in respect to these two questions. In this presentation, Dr. Skotko reveals his recommendations, which must meet all of the following criteria: (a) supported, in part, by quality science, (b) have practical applications for home, (c) be adaptable to people with Down syndrome, and (d) pose no risk to people with Down syndrome. This is not a presentation on how best to educate people with Down syndrome. This is not a presentation about supplements or nutraceuticals. Instead, Dr. Skotko provides a set of actions that caregivers can take that might improve the long-term wellness for their loved one with Down syndrome. Attendees will come away with immediate steps that can be implemented in their homes.

Speaker: Dr. Brian Skotko, M.D., M.P.P

Dr. Brian Skotko is a Board-certified medical geneticist and Co-Director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Skotko has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and development disabilities.

In 2001 he co-authored the national award-winning book, Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome and, most recently, Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters.

He is a graduate of Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Dr. Skotko recently authored major research on how physicians deliver a diagnosis of Down syndrome to new and expectant parents.

He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The L.A. Times, NPR’s “On Point,” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Dr. Skotko serves on the Honorary Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Board of Directors for the Band of Angels Foundation, and the Professional Advisory Committee for the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Down Syndrome Resources.

– Center for Genomic Medicine

Content warning: Please note this facilitated workshop will discuss the topic of Down syndrome. Attendees are advised that statistics, life experiences and challenges associated with living with Down syndrome may be discussed, which may be triggering or confronting for some participants. We encourage all attendees to priorities self care, and note that participants are free to leave the event at any time.

Date: Tuesday November 21 2023

Time: 10.00am – 11.30am

Venue: Online via Zoom

Registration Fee: Free (member) / $10 (non-member)

Membership is FREE. Sign up here:

Become a Member – Down Syndrome NSW

We have lots of member only events throughout the year as well as discounts to our conferences, workshops and training and other great member benefits soon to be announced!

If you are not a member, we will get in touch with you following registration.

Registration will open Thursday 13 April 2023

This workshop will not be recorded.

The presentation slides will not be shared.