Understanding early cognitive decline in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Early Cognitive Decline in Down Syndrome
Funded at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · NIH-10881766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how thinking skills change in young people with Down syndrome, ages 15 to 25, over three years, to find early signs of cognitive decline that could lead to Alzheimer's disease, so we can help them sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $642,614 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD098179-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome aged 15 to 25 years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 15 to 25 years or those without Down syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cognitive decline develops in young people with Down syndrome, particularly between the ages of 15 and 25. By conducting a longitudinal study over three years, participants will undergo cognitive and behavioral assessments every 18 months to track changes in their cognitive functions. The goal is to identify early signs of cognitive decline that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions that could slow down the progression of cognitive issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that help maintain cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome as they age.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive decline in similar populations, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conners, Frances a — University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
- Study coordinator: Conners, Frances a
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.
-
Spatial navigation as a marker of cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome
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-
Tracking cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome using remote assessments
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.
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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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How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
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.
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.