Alzheimer's biomarkers in adults with Down syndrome
Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium - Down Syndrome (ABC-DS)
This project looks at brain scans, blood tests, and genetics in adults with Down syndrome to map when and how Alzheimer's-related changes appear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11392124 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a group of adults with Down syndrome who are followed over time with brain imaging, blood and other biological samples, and memory and thinking tests. The team compares amyloid, tau, and brain structure changes to patterns seen in typical late-onset Alzheimer's disease. They also search for genetic and other factors that speed up or slow memory decline in people with Down syndrome. Multiple centers share data and methods to make results reliable and useful for future treatment trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Down syndrome (typically aged 21 and older), with or without memory concerns, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome or children and adolescents under the adult age cutoff would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect Alzheimer's earlier in people with Down syndrome and guide future prevention or treatment trials tailored to them.
How similar studies have performed: Biomarker studies in Alzheimer's and in Down syndrome have produced informative results before, and this consortium expands and standardizes those approaches across sites.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Handen, Benjamin L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Handen, Benjamin L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.