Weight-loss approach to Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome
Official title: The Impact of Weight Loss on Alzheimer's Disease Risk in Adults with Down Syndrome
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11393156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A weight-loss program using a structured diet and behavioral support is being studied to see if it can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome who are 21 or older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,023,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AG078967-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with Down syndrome who are at risk for or concerned about Alzheimer’s disease.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who cannot participate due to medical or safety exclusions or who do not respond to weight-loss strategies may not experience benefits from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
This project tests a multi-component weight loss program that combines a reduced-energy Stop Light Diet with coaching and daily self-monitoring for adults with Down syndrome. It builds on evidence from the general population that diet changes may impact Alzheimer’s risk, and it adapts the approach for adults with trisomy 21. Participants will follow the diet plan, receive personalized guidance, and track their progress to achieve meaningful weight loss and better diet quality. The study aims to see whether these lifestyle changes can influence Alzheimer’s disease risk factors in DS, potentially delaying cognitive decline. Results could inform dietary recommendations for adults with Down syndrome in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower dementia risk or delay Alzheimer’s progression for adults with Down syndrome through achievable, long-term lifestyle changes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar dietary interventions have shown weight loss and improved health in adults with intellectual disability, but this DS-specific approach to Alzheimer’s risk is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ptomey, Lauren Taylor — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ptomey, Lauren Taylor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Losing weight to lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
This project sees if a structured weight-loss diet plus coaching can lower Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome.
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How weight loss affects Alzheimer's disease risk in adults with Down syndrome
This study is looking at how losing weight through a special diet and support can help adults with Down syndrome lower their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.
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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.
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.