Cholinergic Integrity in Down Syndrome in Association With Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Pathology, and Cognition (NCT05231798)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Progressive age-related cognitive deficits occurring in both AD and DS have been connected to the degeneration of several neuronal populations, but mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The most consistent neuronal losses throughout the progression of AD are seen in cholinergic neurons where these losses negatively affect cognition, particularly in attention, learning, and memory formation. Evidence of reduced cholinergic integrity in DS is largely limited to animal models and post-mortem human data. The investigators propose to use molecular, functional, and structural biomarkers to assess the cholinergic integrity in adults with DS. The investigators anticipate using the data gathered in this pilot study to inform future study designs to determine AD risk stratification in DS by identifying individuals who show an accelerated decline in cholinergic integrity that correlates with cognitive and neurobehavioral changes. Also, our cholinergic biomarkers may identify whether individuals with DS are likely to respond to pro-cholinergic interventions, including the novel cholinergic modulators that are being developed to enhance cholinergic-sensitive cognitive functioning. The investigators anticipate using the data gathered here to inform future treatment studies in TRC-DS and beyond where novel cholinergic treatments may offer opportunities for early intervention in DS and be complementary to disease-modifying approaches such as anti-amyloid treatments.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Clinical Research Center — Nashville, Tennessee
Age range: 18 Years to 55 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center Clinical Research Center — Nashville, Tennessee
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (615) 327-7117
Email: Kiara.Baker@vumc.org
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Down Syndrome
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- Executive Function Play Opportunities for Children With Down Syndrome — Fort Collins, Colorado
- Escalating Doses of Memantine in Down Syndrome (MEDS-123) — Cleveland, Ohio
- Natural History of Dysregulation and Aging of the Immune System in People With Trisomy 21 With and Without Thymectomy — Bethesda, Maryland
Explore by condition: All Down Syndrome clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.