Investigating Alzheimer's disease risk in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Individual Predoctoral Fellowship
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11032727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why people with Down syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and how certain genes might play a role, with the hope of finding new ways to help prevent or treat Alzheimer's in this group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 2, 2024 |
| Project end | February 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,577 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG084295-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032727 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 developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and tau proteins in their brains. The study will explore the genetic factors, particularly the APOE4 variant, that contribute to this heightened risk. By examining the unique pathological differences in AD among those with DS, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to cognitive decline in this population. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future treatments or preventive strategies for AD in individuals with DS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that genetic factors like APOE4 significantly impact Alzheimer's risk, but this specific investigation into DS-related AD is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dooling, Breanna — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Dooling, Breanna
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.