Down syndrome is the most common genetic disability in the world, affecting approximately one out of 1,000 people, according to the World Health Organization.
There is no cure for Down syndrome, but scientists believe green tea may point the way to an effective treatment.
A compound in green tea helped those with Down syndrome improve their cognitive function, according to a study published June 6 in the journal Lancet Neurology.
The compound, known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a phytochemical found in trace amounts in a number of fruits and vegetables (such as plums, onions, and apple skins), but the most significant source by far is green tea.
This is the first time that a treatment has shown some efficacy in the improvement of some cognitive tasks in persons with Down syndrome.
, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
