Investigating sleep and temperature disturbances as risk factors for Alzheimer's in individuals with Down syndrome.
Official title: Sleep and Temperature Disturbance as risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome: a Longitudinal Study
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10591135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with sleep and body temperature might increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease in people with Down syndrome, and it aims to find ways to improve their health by focusing on things like sleep apnea and sleep patterns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,871,190 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG080769-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10591135 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older with Down syndrome who are at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
✕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 sleep and body temperature disturbances may contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease in individuals with Down syndrome. By examining a cohort of individuals with Down syndrome, the study aims to identify specific modifiable factors, such as obstructive sleep apnea and circadian rhythm disruptions, that could influence the onset of Alzheimer's. The research will utilize clinical assessments and biomarker analysis to track changes over time, providing insights into how these factors may be addressed to improve health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blessing, Esther Marian — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Blessing, Esther Marian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Sleep and body temperature changes linked to Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome
This project looks at whether sleep problems and lower body temperature in adults with Down syndrome are linked to higher chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
-
P-CARRS-BRAIN: Predicting Alzheimer’s risk in South Asians in India using genetic, behavior, and vascular data
Aims to predict Alzheimer’s disease risk in middle-aged South Asians by combining genetic, lifestyle, and vascular information to catch early changes before dementia develops.
-
P-CARRS-BRAIN: Predicting Alzheimer’s risk in South Asians in India using genetics, behavior, and vascular data
Aimed at people 21 and older, this project looks at how biology, behavior, and blood vessel health together may signal the early risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in South Asians.
-
Sex-specific blood biomarkers predict dementia risk in older adults
This NIH project tests how blood biomarkers and sex differences predict future dementia in older people, with the goal of personalized prognosis and prevention.
-
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.
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.