Spatial navigation as a marker of cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Adults with Down syndrome often face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and this project looks at whether real-world navigation difficulty can signal early changes. The research will give 40 participants ages 35–50 navigation tasks to see if performance patterns relate to early AD-like decline and to how people switch between different ways of orienting themselves. It will also compare navigation performance with everyday navigation problems reported by caregivers and with other cognitive measures like executive function. The goal is to determine which navigation tests best predict cognitive changes beyond standard tests.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Montclair State University
  Montclair, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Yang, Yingying — Montclair State University
• Study coordinator: Yang, Yingying

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• 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.

  NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11532997

• Tracking cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome using remote assessments

  This study is looking at how we can use remote check-ins to keep track of memory and thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome who might be experiencing early signs of Alzheimer's, making it easier for them to participate without needing to travel for in-person visits.

  NIH research University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, United States · NIH-11098530

• Understanding early cognitive decline in individuals with Down syndrome

  This study is looking at how thinking skills change in young people with Down syndrome, ages 15 to 25, over three years, to find early signs of cognitive decline that could lead to Alzheimer's disease, so we can help them sooner.

  NIH research University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · Tuscaloosa, United States · NIH-10881766

• Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids

  A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.

  NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11641009

• How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk

  This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11617103

• Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome

  A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.

  NIH research Colorado State University · Fort Collins, United States · NIH-11609228

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.