The Psychobiology of Down Syndrome

This book covers recent research with neurobiological and cognitive features of Down syndrome. There has been notable progress in understanding the psychobiological concomitants of Down syndrome. New data have pinpointed selective neurological defects, and recent research has revealed that it is possible to work with the supposedly intractable, irreversible deficits accompanying Down syndrome. Surprising improvements in cognitive functions, including language, can be shown by children and even adolescents. The topics include: early concept learning in infants with Down syndrome (Jennifer Wishart); the emergence of language skills (Lars Smith), early lexical development (Caroline Mervis), and developmental asynchrony of language development in Down syndrome (Jon Miller); the use of computers with speech output to promote language use (Laura Meyers); differences between Down syndrome and normally developing children in the use of a number concept (Rochel Gelman); the neuropsychological status of older Down syndrome individuals (Krystyna Wisniewski); neuropathological (Thomas Kemper), psychobiological (Siegfried Peuschel), and neurophysiological (Eric Courchesne) aspects of Down syndrome; and the relation between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease (Michael Thase). Lynn Nadel is professor of psychology and research cognitive scientist at the University of Arizona, editor of Psychobiology, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Down Syndrome Society. The Psychobiology of Down Syndrome is included in the series Issues in the Biology of Language and Cognition, edited by John C. Marshall, and is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society. A Bradford Book.