Parent Attitudes Toward Enhancing Cognition and Clinical Research Trials in Down Syndrome: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Objective: As understanding of the neurobiological basis of cognitive impairment in Down syndrome (DS) advances and new pharmaceutical interventions targeting neurodevelopment become available, an in-depth understanding of the family perspective is essential to inform research efforts. A mixed methods study was conducted with parents of individuals with DS to learn about attitudes toward pharmacological interventions to enhance cognition, participation in clinical research trials in DS, and the relationship between child/family-specific factors and parent attitudes.

Method: Parents completed an online survey (N = 37) assessing family/child sociodemographic factors and to capture thoughts on cognitive enhancement and participation in clinical drug trials. A subset of interested parents participated in a follow-up phone interview (N = 21) or focus group (N = 3; 1 FG). Double-blind thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.

Results: Parents' attitudes toward improving cognition, reversing intellectual disability, and participation in clinical trials correlated with each other and were informed by specific parent and child factors (e.g., child attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder/behavioral diagnosis and parent education). Qualitative themes included advantages, disadvantages, and ethical implications of enhancing cognition. In addition, themes emerged regarding the need to understand the mechanism and potential side effects of experimental drugs, logistical factors relating to willingness to participate in clinical trials, and the evolution of parents' attitudes over time.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the complexity of issues and implications of clinical trials for enhancing cognition in DS. Child-specific factors, logistical and safety considerations, and personal belief systems all inform parent attitudes and decision making. The findings reflect the importance of incorporating parent perspectives and values in research direction and design.