Home Department: undeclared
Mentor: H. Craig Heller (Biology)

“Enhancing Sleep After Training Improves Memory in Down Syndrome Model Mice”

Down Syndrome (DS) is associated with cognitive disabilities, for which there are no drug therapies. Moreover, adequate sleep is necessary to maintain optimal cognitive functions, and more than 60% of children with DS are reported to have sleep apnea. Using a DS model mouse, Jessie will investigate the potential beneficial effect of enhancing sleep on spatial and recognition memory. Jessie’s research will enhance sleep with a behavioral (sleep deprivation resulting in sleep rebound) and pharmacological (hypocretin receptor 2 antagonist injection) approach to identify potential new therapies that improve sleep and abilities to learn and remember for individuals with DS.