In the general population, modifiable risk factors including physical activity, physical function, cardiometabolic disease, and obesity are associated with 45% of all cases of dementia. However, limited research has examined these associations in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Research exploring relationships between these modifiable lifestyle factors and cognition are essential to inform health promoting interventions in this population, especially since fewer than 10% of individuals with IDD meet public health recommendations for physical activity and 40-55% experience obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases. This symposium will present intervention strategies aimed at enhancing physical activity and cognition among individuals with IDD and will explore lifestyle factors associated with cognitive decline, particularly in people with Down syndrome. Dr. Lauren Ptomey of the University of Kansas Medical Center will share findings from a randomized controlled trial assessing cognitive outcomes of a physical activity intervention in adults with Down syndrome. PhD student Lia McNulty from the University of Delaware will discuss how understanding the unique cognitive characteristics of Autistic adults can inform the design of new exergames to promote physical activity. Dr. Selena Washington from St. Louis University will examine how physical and daily functioning relate to dementia risk symptoms in 43 adults with Down syndrome. Finally, PhD candidate Victoria Fleming from the University of Wisconsin will present findings on how weight loss trajectories in older adults with Down syndrome correlate with cognitive decline and amyloid-beta pathology.
Chair: Amy Bodde, University of Kansas Medical Center,
Discussant: Amy Bodde, University of Kansas Medical Center
First Presentation: Improvements in Cognition Across a 12 Month Randomized Exercise Intervention in Adults with Down Syndrome
Lauren Ptomey, University of Kansas Medical Center, Brian C Helsel, University of Kansas Medical Center
Rik A Washburn, University of Kansas Medical Center
Jessica C Danon, University of Kansas Medical Center
Joseph R Sherman, University of Kansas Medical Center
Robert N Montgomery, University of Kansas Medical Center
Daniel Forsha, Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City
Amy E Bodde, University of Kansas Medical Center
Amanda N Szabo-Reed, University of Kansas Medical Center
Anna M Gorczyca, University of Kansas Medical Center
Joseph E Donnelly, University of Kansas Medical Center
Second Presentation: Predicting Gaming Disorder Through 24-Hour Movement Behaviors in Autistic Adults: Implications for Strength-Based Intervention Designs for Physical Activity Promotion
Lia McNulty, University of Delaware, Swetha Kathiravan, University of Delaware
Daehyoung “DH” Lee, University of Delaware
Third Presentation: Dementia risk symptoms and functional activity in adults with Down syndrome
Selena Washington, St. Louis University,
Fourth Presentation: Timing of weight change and Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome
Victoria Fleming, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Brian C. Helsel, University of Kansas Medical Center
Jamie Peven, University of Pittsburgh
Lauren T. Ptomey, University of Kansas Medical Center
Benjamin Handen, University of Pittsburgh
Ozioma Okonkwo, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Sigan Hartley, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Alzheimers Biomarker Consortium – Down Syndrome