Physical activity, memory function, and hippocampal volume in adults with Down syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Genetics

Background:

• Adults with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to trisomy 21.
• The impact of physical activity (PA) on cognitive aging in adults with DS is not well understood.
• Moderate-intensity PA is associated with better cognitive function in neurotypical adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between moderate PA engagement, memory, and hippocampal volume in adults with DS.
• To determine if lifestyle behaviors like PA can influence cognitive aging in individuals with DS.

Main Methods:

• Ancillary study of the Alzheimer's Biomarkers Consortium for DS (ABC-DS) involving 71 adults with DS.
• Memory composite score derived from Cued Recall Test and Rivermead Picture Recognition Test.
• Physical activity measured using accelerometers (GT9X); hippocampal volume assessed via structural MRI.

Main Results:

• Higher moderate PA engagement and more daily steps were significantly associated with better memory composite scores in adults with DS.
• Physical activity variables were not significantly associated with hippocampal volume.
• Greater hippocampal volume was associated with higher memory composite scores.

Conclusions:

• Increased engagement in moderate physical activity is related to better memory function in adults with Down syndrome.
• Physical activity may be a beneficial lifestyle factor for preserving memory in adults with DS.
• While hippocampal volume relates to memory, its association with physical activity was not observed in this cohort.