Understanding brain network issues in Down syndrome related to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Septhohippocamal connectome dysfunction in Down syndrome associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10595384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Down syndrome might change the brain and make people more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease earlier, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how we can help those with Down syndrome stay mentally healthy as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,466,001 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG077103-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10595384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those who are in early midlife and may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕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 Down syndrome (DS) affects brain networks and increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) at an early age. By studying both animal models and human cells, the research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular changes that lead to cognitive decline in individuals with DS. The team will analyze specific brain circuits that are crucial for memory and executive function, comparing findings from trisomic mice and human induced neurons derived from individuals with DS and AD. The ultimate goal is to identify potential targets for interventions that could delay or prevent the onset of dementia in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the connections between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill critical knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ginsberg, Stephen D — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ginsberg, Stephen D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.