Sleep and body temperature changes linked to Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome
Sleep and Temperature Disturbance as risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome: a Longitudinal Study
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11456945
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11456945 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be followed over several years while researchers track your sleep (including sleep apnea), body temperature patterns, and brain-related biomarkers like amyloid and tau. The team will use sleep studies, wearable monitors, and brain imaging or biomarker tests to see how these measures change before dementia starts. The goal is to find modifiable problems that appear earlier in people with Down syndrome and may speed up Alzheimer’s changes. If those links are clear, it could point to treatments or lifestyle changes to try to delay dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults age 21 and older with Down syndrome, especially those without dementia who can take part in sleep testing and monitoring, are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome, children under 21, or individuals already living with advanced Alzheimer’s dementia are unlikely to benefit directly from joining this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify treatable sleep or temperature problems that lower the risk or delay the start of Alzheimer’s in people with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research in typical older adults has linked sleep problems and body temperature changes to Alzheimer’s biology, and preliminary data suggest these issues are pronounced in Down syndrome but intervention success is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.