World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2025 is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome. This year’s theme is ‘support’, emphasising the importance of providing access to research and resources for under-served populations.
In recognition of WDSD, the Oxford Health Research & Development team is raising awareness of the ABATE P2 study, which aims to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. The event will involve a stall being run at Banbury Castle Quay Shopping Centre on Friday 21 March, where staff will discuss the study with the public and hand out flyers.
Join the ABATE Study: Seeking Volunteers with Down Syndrome
The study team are seeking volunteers for Part 2 of the ABATE study, testing an investigational vaccine to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down Syndrome.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and ninety percent of people with Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, will develop Alzheimer’s. Despite this high prevalence, this population has never been included in the clinical research that has underpinned regulatory approvals for medicines to help treat Alzheimer’s.
The vaccine being tested in the ABATE study is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against a build-up of the protein Abeta (Aβ) in the brain. Reducing the build-up of this protein may slow the memory loss seen in Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative approach could potentially offer new hope for individuals with Down syndrome who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
V Raymont
Prof V Raymont
Professor Vanessa Raymont, Oxford Health’s Director of Research and Development and Principal Investigator on the study, shares her thoughts:
“Supporting access to research for under-served populations is crucial. The ABATE study aims to provide new insights and potential treatments for individuals with Down syndrome who are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. By participating in this study, you are contributing to a significant cause that could improve the lives of many.”
If you or a loved one have Down syndrome, aged between 35-50, and have a family member or friend who could be a study partner you could be working with the study team to help find out if this vaccine is effective. Your participation could make a significant difference in advancing understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and improving therapeutic approaches for people with Down syndrome.
Recruitment for this study ends 30 June 2025.
For more information about the study, please visit the ABATE study website.
You can also make further enquiries and register your interest in participating by emailing: mentalhealthresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk.
Additionally, you can read about Part 1 of the ABATE study on the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust website.
Published: 14 March 2025