< Back to previous page

Project

Prediction of conversion to Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome: a behavioural and neurochemical approach.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias are degenerative and irreversible brain illnesses characterized by memory loss, behavioral and psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and an (over)activated neuroimmune response. Interestingly, people with Down syndrome (DS), a congenital disorder, face accelerated aging and are at high risk to develop AD over time; 50- 70% of the DS individuals develop AD. Earlier AD diagnosis and/or prediction of conversion to AD is essential for adaptive caretaking and adequate treatment interventions. BPSD in AD patients are diagnosed using validated rating scales. However, no BPSD scales are available for DS. Therefore, our first aim is to validate and longitudinally apply our recently developed BPSD scale specifically adapted for DS in cohorts of DS patients with and without dementia. Concentration changes in biogenic amines, i.e. neurotransmitters and their metabolites, have been associated with BPSD. We previously discovered that the serum concentration of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) can predict the development of AD in DS. The current project aims to investigate the biological functionality of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system in human brain, blood and CSF samples. We will also study in detail how brain pathology typical for AD, develops in DS, whether locus coeruleus pathology is observed and how these link to neurotransmitter changes and patients' symptoms.
Date:1 Jan 2018 →  31 Dec 2021
Keywords:ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, DOWN SYNDROME
Disciplines:Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing