How to Contact Us For more information or to enroll in this research study, please contact the coordinator: Lynette Villa de Rey Center for Human Genetics Research Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37232 1 888 717 4319 (615) 322 5264 Email: imaging-genetics @chgr.mc.vanderbilt.edu Check out our website: http://chgr.mc.vanderbilt.edu Tricia A. Thornton-Wells, Ph.D. Principal Investigator Center for Human Genetics Research Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37232 This Vanderbilt IRB-approved research study is conducted in accordance with Federal guidelines and current US laws. Brain Imaging Study of Adults with Down Syndrome About Our Study Did You Know?   Alzheimer Disease is a degenerative neurological disorder characterized by progressive memory loss, personality changes and loss of functional motor capabilities. It is far more common in individuals with Down syndrome than the general population.  Not all individuals with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer disease.  25 percent or more of individuals with Down syndrome over age 35 show clinical signs and symptoms of Alzheimer-type dementia.    The goal of our study is to investigate new ways to detect brain changes associated with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer Disease, which could be used for early screening. We will use a technique called magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI o MRI uses magnets to take pictures of the brain. o MRI is non-invasive, so there are no injections and no radiation is involved. o Our study will use 2 different magnetic strengths referred to as 3 Tesla MRI and 7 Tesla MRI.  One of the genes responsible for Down Syndrome—amyloid precursor protein (APP)—is also associated with Alzheimer Disease. With both magnet strengths, we will take pictures of your brain to look at: o How your brain functions while you are resting o How parts of your brain are connected. o How many protein plaques that are related to the APP gene are present in your brain *Information from www.ndss.org  We hope to learn how to identify and treat Alzheimer Disease earlier. Who We Need  Adults with Down Syndrome between the ages of 30 and 75  If there is no history of head trauma or stroke, that is preferred  Participants will be compensated for their time at a rate of $20 per hour  There may be more opportunities for other studies in the future!