The prestigious journal The Lancet has invited Dr. Juan Fortea, director of the research area in Neurological Diseases, Neuroscience, and Mental Health at the Sant Pau Research Institute, and director of the Memory Unit of the Neurology Service at the same hospital, to write the editorial published on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, highlighting the significant advancements in the quality of life and life expectancy of people with this condition. Dr. Fortea emphasizes the improvements achieved thanks to advances in healthcare and research, as well as increased social participation. However, he points out that inequalities in health outcomes still persist, attributable to a lack of awareness and training on Down syndrome among healthcare professionals, families, and other stakeholders, a problem exacerbated by structural factors such as social discrimination and inadequate service provision.
The editorial emphasizes the importance of overcoming these inequalities and appeals for a global approach that includes research, awareness, and inclusive policies. It highlights the urgent need for epidemiological data and resources specifically directed at meeting the health needs of people with Down syndrome worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Through the publication of this editorial in The Lancet, Dr. Fortea and his collaborators seek to inspire positive change, fostering a renewed commitment among researchers, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and the global community, to ensure a full and equitable life for all individuals with Down syndrome.
Juan Fortea, Eimear McGlinchey, Joaquín M Espinosa, Michael S Rafii. Addressing challenges in health care and research for people with Down syndrome. The Lancet, 2024. ISSN 0140-6736, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00478-1.
