Targeting a specific protein linked to Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Investigating and targeting apolipoprotein E4 in Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10658660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called apoE4 affects brain health in people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find safe medications that could help protect their brain cells from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,282,487 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG078965-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10658660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those who may be at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not carry the apoE4 allele may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) in the development of Alzheimer's disease among individuals with Down syndrome. It focuses on understanding how this protein contributes to neurodegeneration and aims to identify potential therapies that can inhibit its harmful effects. The researchers have developed a laboratory test to screen existing medications for their ability to block the toxic actions of apoE4 on brain cells. By utilizing compounds that have already been tested for safety in other conditions, the study seeks to expedite the development of effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting apoE in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific application to Down syndrome is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Noah Ray — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Noah Ray
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.