Investigating sleep problems in individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Sleep abnormalities in Down Syndrome-related Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11125901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sleep problems might be connected to Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome, focusing on certain genes that could be causing these issues, and it aims to help us understand how these genes affect sleep and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $563,596 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083268-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome who are experiencing sleep disturbances or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those not experiencing sleep issues related to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome. It focuses on understanding how specific genes, particularly those related to chromosome 21, contribute to these sleep issues and cognitive decline. By examining the roles of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Regulator of Calcineurin1 (RCAN1), the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that link Down syndrome with Alzheimer's-related sleep dysfunction. The research will involve genetic manipulation techniques to assess the impact of these genes on sleep and cognitive functions in a Down syndrome model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of sleep disorders in patients with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoeffer, Charles a — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Hoeffer, Charles a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
DS-ARC: A smartphone-based cognitive test for Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease
A new smartphone app will measure day-to-day thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, helping catch early signs in a convenient, real-world way.
-
DS-ARC: A Remote Digital Cognitive Test for Down Syndrome-Related Alzheimer’s Disease
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed to help people with Down syndrome who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease understand and track early brain changes.
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.