Losing weight to lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
Official title: The Impact of Weight Loss on Alzheimer's Disease Risk in Adults with Down Syndrome
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11173869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,016,879 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AG078967-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11173869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Down syndrome who are overweight or obese and able to participate in a dietary and counseling program are the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Weight-loss approach to Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome
A weight-loss program using a structured diet and behavioral support is being studied to see if it can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome who are 21 or older.
-
How weight loss affects Alzheimer's disease risk in adults with Down syndrome
This study is looking at how losing weight through a special diet and support can help adults with Down syndrome lower their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.
-
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.
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.