Hospital del Mar Research Institute Hospital del Mar Research Institute

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ENDED study

TESDAD study:Use of epigallocatechin gallate to modulate Dyrk1A and APP and assess its impact on cognitive performance in Down syndrome sufferers

What does the study involve?

Discoveries made by the researchers responsible for this study have shown that normalising a series of genes in people with Down syndrome can have a positive effect on their ability to learn and memorise information.

This study involves the use of a compound present in green tea that has antioxidant properties, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). We have found that this can normalise the function of the gene, Dyrk1A. We aim to see if normalising this gene affects learning and memory capacity in people with Down syndrome.

The study participants will either be treated with a nutritional supplement containing EGCG or a placebo, at random. Regardless of the group assigned, all participants will receive another non-pharmacological treatment consisting of an online cognitive stimulation program (FesKits) in which memory, attention span, language and problem-solving skills will be developed.

The study will last 19 months.


In the first 13 months you will have to follow the prescribed treatment and attend 6 control visits where medical and general health data will be collected and you will undergo a neuropsychological exploration. 

Clinical projects

Inclusion criteria

Down syndrome sufferers

  • You must be aged over 16 and under 30.
  • Parents or legal guardians must give their informed consent.
  • Parents or legal guardians must be available to accompany their child to clinical visits.
  • You must have sufficient sight and hearing to be able to perform the study evaluations. Mild hearing loss is permitted.
  • Participants must be able to understand basic instructions.
Hospital del Mar Research Institute

Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona
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Phone: 93 316 04 00 · Fax: 93 316 04 10