Understanding brain cell vulnerability in individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Investigating the susceptibility of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in individuals with Down syndrome
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10878553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells are affected in people with Down syndrome who might develop Alzheimer's disease, to see if there are fewer of these cells and why that might be, with the goal of finding better ways to understand and treat Alzheimer's in this group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,573 |
| NIH project number | 1F99AG086925-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those who are approaching middle age or older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain cells, known as basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, are affected in individuals with Down syndrome who are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to determine if there are fewer of these neurons in the brains of individuals with Down syndrome and to explore the molecular reasons behind their vulnerability. By analyzing brain tissue and creating models from stem cells, researchers hope to uncover important insights that could lead to better understanding and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the specific vulnerability of these neurons in Down syndrome, studies on Alzheimer's disease pathology in general have shown promising results in understanding neurodegeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West, Nicole — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: West, Nicole
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
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Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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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.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.