The Brain Health Program
In 2023 the Brain Health Program was launched through the University of Kansas Medical Center Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in partnership with the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management. The goals of the program are:
• Increase our knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease and its relationship to Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
• Examine how energy metabolism contributes to brain aging
• Test the therapeutic potential of manipulating energy metabolism for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
• Offer clinical trials related to Alzheimer’s disease for individuals with Down syndrome
Events and Opportunities
Click on the titles below for more information!
BOLD
We are looking for adults with Down syndrome to see if changing what someone eats and what they weigh impacts their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
321 FIT Event
Join us on March 22nd, 2025 for our 3rd annual 321 Fit event at Johnson County Community College. This FREE community event promises a morning filled with inspiration, education and inclusive fitness activities.
Registry
If you want to be the first one contacted when we have new studies and programs, fill out our new research registry.
Recent Publications
Click on the titles below to learn more about the studies you may have participated in!
The Ring Fit Pilot Study
About the study: Participants played the Ring Fit game on the Nintendo Switch to see if it was fun and could help people become stronger. Participants were able to follow the intervention and got lots of activity when playing the game. Participants enjoyed playing the game and felt they would keep playing after the game.
The Chef-ID Pilot Study
About the study: Participants came in-person one time per week to exercise and learn cooking skills with us. Participants had good attendance at and enjoyed the exercise and cooking classes and felt they learned a lot of information. This intervention will be used in the future!
Resting metabolic rate in adults with Down syndrome
About the study: The data we collected to see which equations accurately predicted the resting metabolism level of adults with Down syndrome. Resting metabolic rate makes up the most calories we use each day, so being able to accurately measure or predict this is important.
Recent Publications
Click on the titles to learn more!
Physical activity and Fitness in adults with Down syndrome with and without congenital heart disease
About the study: We were looking to see if people who had congenital heart defects had different fitness or activity levels than those who did not have congenital heart defects. We found that while those with a congenital heart defect were less active, there were no differences in fitness levels or heart function during exercise between the groups. This means that people with a congenital heart defect can safely be in exercise programs.
Depression in Caregivers of Adults With Down Syndrome
About the study: Most caregivers of adults with DS in our sample did not experience depression. This study was looking to see what factors led to depression symptoms in caregivers of people with Down syndrome. Most factors were potentially modifiable with lifestyle interventions.
Better Balance
By Greta Foye
Why Balance is Important:
You need to work on your balance so you won’t fall. Working on your balance will also boost your confidence. It is also a good way to get some movement in and stretch your muscles. Having good balance can even help when you are dancing! It can give you more insight when it comes to a fear of heights.
Balance Tips:
Make sure you don’t have pets under your feet. Don’t fall down the stairs. Make sure you have a clean surface and floor, so you don’t trip. Pick up your feet when you are walking. If you are working on balance exercises, make sure a parent or another person is around.
How Can You Work on Balance:
You can schedule a physical therapy appointment for your balance. You can also work on your balance at home by yourself. Check out the next page for some exercises you can work on at home.
Better Balance
Exercise 2
By Greta Foye
Exercise 1
Stand up straight. Slowly, lift one leg off the ground. See how many seconds you can hold this. Repeat on the other leg.
Place a towel on the floor in front of you. Stand on the towel with your right foot in front of your left foot. Next, stand with your left foot in front of your right foot.
Exercise 3
Stand straight and stretch one of your arms above your head and lean to the side. Hold for 20 seconds, and repeat on the other side.
Winter Crossword
Winter Crossword Answers!
