How weight loss affects Alzheimer's disease risk in adults with Down syndrome
Official title: The Impact of Weight Loss on Alzheimer's Disease Risk in Adults with Down Syndrome
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11124489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how losing weight through a special diet and support can help adults with Down syndrome lower their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,031,277 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AG078967-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with Down syndrome who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease and are willing to participate in a weight loss intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Down syndrome or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between weight loss and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome. It employs a multi-component intervention that includes a specially designed diet aimed at reducing caloric intake and improving dietary quality. Participants will receive individual counseling and support to help them achieve significant weight loss, which may in turn lower their risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to provide insights into how dietary changes can impact health outcomes for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome through effective weight management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary interventions can be effective in reducing Alzheimer's disease risk in the general population, suggesting potential for success in this specific group.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ptomey, Lauren Taylor — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ptomey, Lauren Taylor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Weight-loss approach to Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome
A weight-loss program using a structured diet and behavioral support is being studied to see if it can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome who are 21 or older.
-
Losing weight to lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
This project sees if a structured weight-loss diet plus coaching can lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome.
-
DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Remote monitoring of Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome
A study tests remote (at-home) ways to track Alzheimer’s-related thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome.
-
How sleep and body temperature affect Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
Researchers will follow adults with Down syndrome over several years to learn whether sleep problems and lower body temperature are linked to earlier Alzheimer's changes.
-
DS-ARC: A smartphone-based cognitive test for Down syndrome–associated Alzheimer’s disease
A smartphone-based cognitive test will be developed and tested to help detect early signs of dementia in adults with Down syndrome.
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.