Bayer, K Ulrich PHD

This proposal will investigate new potentials links of Down Syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer disease (AD). Many patients with DS develop early onset of AD, and the underlying cause is thought to be the DS- associated amplification of APP (a protein thought to contribute to AD pathology). This proposal will investigate potential roles of APP in synaptic dysfunctions in DS prior to manifestation of AD. The mechanistic insights gained will help our understanding of both DS and AD, and may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for both conditions.