Partners
The New Jersey Down Syndrome Aging Study is partners with The Alzheimer Biomarkers Consortium-Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) and The Sao Paulo Down Syndrome Aging Cohort. Our partnership with these two studies is outlined below.
The ABC-DS
The Alzheimer Biomarkers Consortium-Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) is a multi-center research study that follows adults with Down syndrome to identify the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease and better understand factors that influence its development and progression. The ABC-DS is a collaboration among leading universities and hospitals throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, including the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Cambridge (UK), the University of California, Irvine, Columbia University, the New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Kentucky, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Washington University in St Louis, and University of Kansas.
The New Jersey Down Syndrome Aging Study partners with the ABC-DS study through the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities and Columbia University, both of which are ABC-DS sites in New York. Through this collaboration, participants may complete neuroimaging and blood biomarker assessments as part of the ABC-DS, helping to streamline data collection and reduce duplication of study procedures. Participants in the New Jersey Down Syndrome Aging Study have the option to enroll in the ABC-DS as dual participants. Although participation in the ABC-DS is voluntary, it is strongly encouraged because the combined data from both studies will enhance researchers’ understanding of aging in adults with Down syndrome. Because the two studies collect many of the same cognitive and informant report data, participants can complete these assessments as part of a coordinated visit.
Sao Paulo Down Syndrome Aging Cohort – University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Sao Paulo Down Syndrome Aging Cohort is an independent research study based at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and led by Professor Orestes Vicente Forlenza. The study follows more than 200 adults with Down syndrome through annual evaluations to better understand aging and age-related cognitive changes. In addition to conducting research, the program provides comprehensive and specialized care for adults with Down syndrome. The Sao Paulo Down Syndrome Aging Cohort collects cognitive assessment, informant questionnaires, and blood-based biomarkers that are similar to those used in the New Jersey Down Syndrome Aging Study. By using comparable study measures and assessment protocols, researchers from both studies can compare findings across the two cohorts. These collaborations will help advance our understanding of cognitive aging in adults with Down syndrome across diverse populations.