Understanding how Down syndrome affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Toward a neuroscientific understanding of the interaction between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease pathology
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11101250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease are connected, using special brain scans to find out how the brains of people with Down syndrome change as they get older, so we can help catch Alzheimer's early and support those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,847 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG083224-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those over the age of 40, who 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 the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease by using advanced neuroimaging techniques and biomarkers. It aims to identify brain changes and neuropsychological patterns in individuals with Down syndrome as they age, particularly focusing on the onset of Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing brain connectivity and microstructure through MRI and other methods, the study seeks to uncover critical information that could lead to early interventions before significant cognitive decline occurs. This research is particularly relevant for individuals with Down syndrome, who have a high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease as they age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted interventions for individuals with Down syndrome at risk of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurodegenerative diseases in populations with genetic predispositions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruno, Jennifer L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bruno, Jennifer L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.