The Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation (DSEF) is a part of the non-profit Center for Natural Health Research and is devoted to looking into the best, natural, methods to help those who have both Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and various forms of epilepsy (including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). These methods include clinical nutrition, real naturopathy, manipulative techniques, exercise, and other natural methods intended to improve the quality of life for those with Down syndrome, especially those who also suffer with seizures.
The Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation is directed up by Robert Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath He is not a medical doctor. He possesses a doctorate (Ph.D.) in nutrition science and a doctorate in natural health (Naturopath).
Thiel believes that DSEF has a better vision for those with both disorders. Why? Because he believes that natural is better. Because he believes that many health professionals and therapists have expectations for the disabled that are too low. Because he believes combining nutrition, exercise, and parental motivation results in better outcomes. Because he believes that science and common-sense show that the combination of natural interventions is the most logical to pursue and because that combination gets results.
Because he has met with many of the so-called experts and researchers in this field and found many of their approaches lacking. He does not believe that he, nor DSEF, have all the answers, but does believe that in many respects, DSEF is at the forefront for practical research to benefit those with both Down syndrome and epilepsy.
Are Drugs the Answer for All Seizure Disorders?
Certainly not. Here is a link to an interesting article titled A Bill of Particulars on Seizures and on Discontinuing Anticonvulsant Drugs by Edward B. LeWinn, M.D., FACP.
Research Articles on Down Syndrome and/or Epilepsy
Might Calcium Disorders Cause or Contrinute to Myoclonic Seizures? This article was recently accepted for publication. It provides an explanation as to why nutrition should be considered as a first-line treatment for myoclonic seizures.
Can Cognitive Deterioration Associated with Down Syndrome be Reduced? This article documents why certain nutrients (as found in foods) are expected to provide the greatest benefits.
Down syndrome and Epilepsy: A Nutritional Connection? This article documents apparent nutritional links between these seemingly unrelated disorders.
Orthomolecular Therapy and Down Syndrome: Rationale and Clinical Results Presentation at the 8th Annual Scientific Program of the Orthomolecular Health-Medicine Society, March 1, 2002, San Francisco.
Facial Effects of Warner Protocol on Children with Down Syndrome This paper was published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.
Growth Effects of Warner Protocol on Children with Down Syndrome This paper was published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.
Other Links
The Warner House specializes in nutrition and medical therapy for children with Down syndrome.
The Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute specializes in reseaching ways to improve brain function.
Riverbend Down Syndrome Parents Support Group lists information on Down syndrome.
The Osteopathic Center for Children specializes in osteopathic treatments for disabled children.
Institutes for the Advancement of Human Potential specializes in developing extensive patterning programs for brain-injured children and adults.
Help for Brain Injured Children also specializes in developing extensive patterning programs for brain-injured children and adults.
Note: the trisomy21.org website is no longer listed as that link no longer works.
Although this website is intended to provide information, it cannot provide answers to individual questions, provide medical advice, nor can it recommend any practitioners--sorry. Donations for research are welcomed.
Technical information can be sent via email to dsepilepsy@multiz.com.
Appointments to see Robert Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath can be made with Doctors' Research, Inc., telephone (805) 489-7185 (there are no telephone appointments), 1036 W. Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, California (Grover Beach is approximately 190 miles north-west of Los Angeles International Airport and 200 miles south of San Jose).
Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation, Center for Natural Health Research, 1036 W. Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, CA 93433 * (805) 489-7188