Understanding cognitive changes in aging adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease

Intraindividual cognitive variability in aging adults with Down syndrome: associations with Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers, neuropathology and clinical dementia

NIH-funded research Washington State University · NIH-10900616

This study is looking at how differences in thinking skills among adults with Down syndrome might be connected to early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and it's for adults with Down syndrome who want to help us understand more about dementia.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pullman, United States)
Project IDNIH-10900616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cognitive variability in adults with Down syndrome may relate to Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and dementia. By analyzing data from the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Consortium-Down Syndrome, the study aims to identify patterns in cognitive performance that could indicate early signs of dementia. Participants will undergo neuropsychological testing to measure their cognitive variability, which will be compared to biological markers of Alzheimer's disease. This approach seeks to improve early detection methods for dementia in this high-risk population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with Down syndrome who are 21 years or older.

Not a fit: Patients without Down syndrome or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better early detection and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive variability as a biomarker for dementia in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Pullman, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.