Brain Metabolites and Dementia Symptoms in Adults with Down Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Koenig Katherine A., Bhattacharyya Pallab K.
Primary Institution: Cleveland Clinic
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that scores on a measure assessing dementia symptoms would relate more strongly to myo-inositol levels in the hippocampus compared to the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex.
Conclusion
Metabolite values were not related to two continuous measures that have previously been associated with dementia status in those with Down syndrome.
Supporting Evidence
- Previous work shows group differences in magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolite measures in adults with Down syndrome who have Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia compared to those who do not.
- Participants with Down syndrome showed widespread increases in cortical thickness compared to controls.
- Metabolite measures were not significantly related to cognitive/behavioral measures or to cortical thickness in this small cohort.
Takeaway
This study looked at brain chemicals in adults with Down syndrome to see if they relate to dementia symptoms, but found no clear connections.
Methodology
Seventeen adults with Down syndrome underwent MRI scans and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess brain metabolites and their relationship to dementia symptoms and cortical thickness.
Limitations
The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, and the majority of participants were likely cognitively stable.
Participant Demographics
The final DS group consisted of 17 adults with Down syndrome (mean age 44.9 years, 7 males).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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