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In this episode, "Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s: Clinical Trials, Equity, and Patient-Centered Progress," Elizabeth Head, PhD, professor in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, discussed the evolving intersection of Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease using updates from the Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium – Down Syndrome (ABC-DS). She detailed how outcome assessments have been refined to meet the unique cognitive profiles of individuals with Down syndrome and shared the progress in launching clinical trials that now include this historically excluded population. Head also addressed the challenges in distinguishing developmental delay from early dementia symptoms, the potential role of anti-amyloid therapies, and how non-pharmacological interventions like sleep apnea treatment may contribute to cognitive preservation. She emphasized the importance of equitable research participation, clinician education, and understanding patient priorities—like independence and respect—when supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Episode Breakdown:

1:00 – Overview of the ABC-DS initiative and the growing inclusion of Down syndrome in Alzheimer research

2:00– Current state of clinical trials and progress in therapeutic development for this population

3:30 – Evolution of outcome assessments tailored for individuals with Down syndrome

5:40 – Challenges in distinguishing Down syndrome traits from signs of early dementia

7:40 – Clinician educations needs and improving access to specialized care

9:00 – Neurology News Minute

11:00 – Eligibility and considerations for anti-amyloid therapies in Down syndrome

13:35 – Research gaps, co-occurring conditions, and the importance of reaching underserved populations

16:40 – Top priorities from patients and families: independence, inclusion, and respect in care settings

The stories featured in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here:

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