Losing weight to lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
The Impact of Weight Loss on Alzheimer's Disease Risk in Adults with Down Syndrome
This project sees if a structured weight-loss diet plus coaching can lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173869 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll be offered an adapted reduced-calorie program called an enhanced Stop Light Diet that uses portion-controlled entrées, protein shakes, and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The program includes individual behavior counseling, education, and daily self-monitoring to help participants reach clinically meaningful weight loss (about 5% or more). Staff will measure weight, diet quality, and brain-health markers related to Alzheimer's over time to see whether the approach changes risk. All materials and support are tailored to adults with intellectual disability to make the plan easier to follow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Down syndrome who are overweight or obese and able to participate in a dietary and counseling program are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome, those who are not overweight, or those who cannot follow the diet or counseling because of medical or severe cognitive limitations are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help delay or reduce Alzheimer's-related changes in adults with Down syndrome by improving weight and metabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: Weight-loss diets and counseling have produced clinically meaningful weight loss in adults without Down syndrome and suggest possible reductions in Alzheimer's risk, but this exact approach has not been tested in adults with Down syndrome before.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ptomey, Lauren Taylor — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ptomey, Lauren Taylor
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 below.