According to the National Down Syndrome Society (USA), approximately 30% of people with Down syndrome who are in their 50s have Alzheimer’s dementia. Previous studies have found that the increased risk of dementia in patients with Down syndrome results from the extra genes present on chromosome 21. However, several studies have also reported the additional impact of psychological stress on the incidence and susceptibility of individuals to Alzheimer’s disease.
The goal of this research project is to understand the environmental risk factors that contribute to the development of early-onset Alzheimer’s in individuals with Down syndrome. Specifically, we will be focusing on the effects of psychological stress caused by childhood stressors and adverse childhood events. Other risk factors that this study will research are coexisting medical conditions, socioeconomic status, and educational history.
If you meet ONE of the following criteria, we invite you to participate in our research project:
- You have a loved one/family member with Down syndrome with an additional diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
- You have a loved one/family member with Down syndrome who is over the age of 18
- You are an individual with Down Syndrome who is over the age of 18
Participation involves the completion of a survey that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
If you would like to take part, click here to go to the survey page.
About the research team
Dr. Jonathan Santoro is a pediatric neurologist with special training in inflammatory and demyelinating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. His clinical research is in Down syndrome and the association between autoimmunity and the development of cerebrovascular disease.
Sarah Wang is a 3rd year medical student at Keck School of Medicine at USC who hopes to work with children with special needs as a future pediatrician. Her research focuses on understanding the role of childhood stressors in the development neurological diseases in persons with Down syndrome.
Click here to find out more or drop the team an email.