The LonsDownS team at Kings College London are conducting a new study in which they require adults with Down’s syndrome to participate.
It shall be a longitudinal study exploring differences in cognitive functions in people with Down’s syndrome. The research team will investigate possible genetic, neurological and biological reasons for these differences and investigate why some people with Down’s syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease and others do not.
This longitudinal research study is looking at cognitive abilities and blood and brain biomarkers of adults with Down’s syndrome at three time points over 3-6 years.
Participants who choose to participate will take part in a few games – some of these will be on a touchscreen computer tablet. The team will also check their blood pressure and general physical health and take a blood sample for genetic and biomarker analysis. Participants will also have the opportunity to have their brain scanned for brain biomarkers if they are happy to do so.
A relative or carer will be asked to complete a few questionnaires about the participant’s medical history and physical and psychological wellbeing.
Each assessment takes approximately 3 hours.
The assessment will be arranged at a time and place that is convenient for the participants. This may include their home or their local day centre or other suitable location. The LonsDownS team shall reimburse any travel expenses for participants or carers if they are able to travel to King’s College London.
For any questions or to take part, please contact either Marie, Debbie, Fedal and Sarah;
020 7836 5454 (ext 3598)
Twitter: @LonDownS
The Research Team
From left to right: Rosalyn, Sarah, Deborah
- Prof. Andre Strydom is a Professor of Intellectual Disabilities. His research has a specific focus on conditions associated with ageing in intellectual disability populations, such as Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down Syndrome. He is an expert in ageing-related issues in Down’s syndrome and the cognitive phenotype(s) associated with trisomy 21.
- Dr. Sarah Pape is currently working as a Clinical Research Fellow within the LonDownS team (King’s College London) and as a Psychiatrist registrar within the South London and Maudsley hospital. Her work focuses on symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and how this relates to biomarkers to improve diagnosis.
- Marie-Stephanie Cahart is a PhD student within the LonDownS team (King’s College London). Her research investigates brain biomarkers and cognitive abilities in Down Syndrome to inform Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
- Deborah Ness is a PhD student within the LonDownS team (King’s College London). Her research investigates novel fluid biomarkers in adults with Down’s Syndrome to inform dementia progression.
- Fedal Saini is a PhD student within the LonDownS team (King’s College London). His work revolves around exploring blood and brain biomarkers in adults with Down’s Syndrome and how these correlate with cognitive decline and dementia symptoms.
- Dr. Rosalyn Hithersay has just completed her PhD within the LonDownS team (King’s College London). She is currently working as a postdoc. She specialises in Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in adults with Down’s Syndrome.
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