New Delhi: A recent study by US researchers has shed light on why some individuals with Down syndrome develop dementia, while others do not. This research could change how we understand the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.
People with Down syndrome have a significantly higher risk—over 90%—of developing Alzheimer’s as they age. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory and cognitive functions. Those born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which impacts their brain and body development.
Researchers from the universities of Pittsburgh and California made a surprising discovery while studying a woman with Down syndrome for a decade. After she passed away, she donated her brain for further research.
“We wanted to connect neuroimaging with neuropathology,” said Jr-Jiun Liou, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Pittsburgh. Using advanced MRI technology, the team imaged her brain to explore changes related to Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, even though she appeared stable and healthy during the study, the MRI revealed signs of Alzheimer’s disease in her brain after her death. “Her clinical assessments showed she was cognitively stable, which makes this case particularly intriguing,” Liou noted.
The researchers speculate that her stability could be linked to her high education level or specific genetic factors. This case provides a unique chance to examine what might help preserve cognitive function in individuals with similar conditions.
The findings, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, raise the possibility of identifying genetic or lifestyle factors that contribute to cognitive health. “If we can pinpoint what allowed her brain to function well despite these changes, it could lead to new strategies for others,” the research team explained.
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Source linkDown Syndrome, Alzheimer
