Tracking cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome using remote assessments
Official title: Remote assessments for Alzheimer’s disease cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11098530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $106,380 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG084738-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 22 to 55 with Down syndrome who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 22 to 55 or those without Down syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of remote assessments to monitor cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome. It aims to develop validated methods for tracking changes in cognitive and behavioral functions without the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be burdensome for participants. By focusing on adults aged 22 to 55, the study seeks to include individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's pathology. The remote assessments will facilitate participation from diverse populations, including those in rural areas or with limited resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more accessible and efficient way to monitor cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome, leading to better management and intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using remote assessments for cognitive decline, indicating that this approach could be effective in this population as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schworer, Emily Katherine — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Schworer, Emily Katherine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
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NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
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NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
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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.
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.