Investigating brain network issues in individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Default mode network dysfunction in Down Syndrome
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-10635582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Down syndrome affects the brain and memory, especially since people with Down syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out what changes happen in the brain that might lead to memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,844,755 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG081286-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10635582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those in midlife or older who may be experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Down syndrome (DS) affects brain function, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It aims to explore the cellular and molecular changes in specific brain regions that are crucial for memory and self-awareness. By studying individuals with DS, who are at high risk for developing dementia, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline. The approach includes analyzing brain tissue to identify differences in neuron health and gene expression between those with and without dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential treatments for dementia in individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dementia mechanisms in similar populations, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mufson, Elliott Jay — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mufson, Elliott Jay
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
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Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
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Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
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Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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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.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.