Down Syndrome

ABC-DS

The Hartley Lab is part of the NIH-funded Alzheimer’s Biomarkers Consortium of Down Syndrome (ABC-DS). This consortium involves researchers across the U.S. and in the United Kingdom. The goal of ABC-DS is to identify biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome. The study aims and institutions involved in ABC-DS can be found here: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/abc-ds-information-patients-and-families

People with Down syndrome have an early age of onset and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease because they are born with three copies of chromosome 21, rather than two. This chromosome carries a gene that produces a protein called amyloid precursor protein. Having three copies of chromosome 21 means that this protein is over-expressed in people with  Down syndrome. This results in a buildup of protein clumps called beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a feature of Alzheimer’s disease.

The goal of ABC-DS is to better understand the course of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome, and to identify risk and/or protective factors. The study involves the collection of brain imaging scans and blood and tissue samples as well as a battery of cognitive measures. The long-term goal of the study is to be able to inform intervention trials aimed at delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome.

If interested in participating in this study, please contact:
The Wisconsin ABC-DS research team at: abcds@waisman.wisc.edu

Lifestyle study

In the ABC-DS sample, we are also examining the role of lifestyle factors in Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome. This study is also funded by NIH.  All people with Down syndrome are genetically at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. However, some people develop Alzheimer’s disease at a much younger age than others. We are examining how lifestyle may explain some of this variability. Specifically, we are examining if sleep (e.g., sleep disruptions and amount of sleep), physical activity (e.g., how much exercise and how much time spent sitting), social engagement (e.g., amount to time talking to other people), and cognitive stimulation (e.g., amount of concentrating, reading, or thinking through problems).  The goal of this research is to determine if changes in lifestyle may be a way to support healthy aging and delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome.

If interested in participating in this study, please contact:
The Lifestyle research team at: abcds@waisman.wisc.edu