Project R-4 – Dr. Thessa Hilgenkamp

Individuals with Down syndrome (Ds) have an increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), with both neuropathology and hallmark symptoms showing up at an earlier age. AD in the general population as well as in Ds patients is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Relationships between AD biomarkers and CV risk have not been investigated in individuals with Ds. This pilot study aims to take the first steps toward a detailed investigation of the cardiovascular contribution to the progression of AD in Ds, with a focus on oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding the relationship of oxidative stress and inflammation with the early stages of Alzheimer’s may aid in an earlier diagnosis, and opens the door for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to delay or slow down symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Our specific aims are: 1) To evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and traditional AD biomarkers in a sample of young adults with Ds between 18 and 35 years and to compare that with young control participants without Ds, and with an existing cohort without Ds but with mild cognitive impairment and with diagnosed dementia, and 2) To evaluate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and traditional AD biomarkers in a sample of young adults with Ds between 18 and 35 years and to compare that with young control participants without Ds, and with an existing cohort without Ds but with mild cognitive impairment and with diagnosed dementia. This data will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between oxidative stress and AD biomarkers in a prodromal stage, and how these relationships are different in adults with Ds compared to adults that do not have Ds.