Investigating the link between weight, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Weight, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11059596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how body weight and inflammation might affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent this condition by analyzing data over three years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,235 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG085730-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059596 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 developing 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 body weight and inflammation may influence the development of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome. It aims to analyze existing data to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), weight changes, and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers over a period of 36 months. By examining cognitive performance and the timing of Alzheimer's symptoms, the study seeks to identify potential preventative measures for this high-risk population. Participants will contribute to a better understanding of how lifestyle factors may impact Alzheimer's disease progression in individuals with Down syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between obesity and Alzheimer's disease risk, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleming, Victoria — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Fleming, Victoria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.