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9 in 10 adults with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s. UNT Health research is exploring why
By McKinnon Rice at Fort Worth Report
· June 14, 2026
· 3 min read
More than 90% of people with Down syndrome will get Alzheimer’s disease by the time they are in their early to mid-60s — and they often get it sooner. Clinical research at UNT Health Fort Worth will help scientists better understand the disease in people with Down syndrome and what causes it, aiding
Key takeaway “It’s not really if, but kind of when, for this group,” said Melissa Petersen, the associate professor who will lead the research at UNT Health.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The University of North Texas Health Science Center's involvement in the Alzheimer's Biomarker Consortium-Down Syndrome study brings crucial research to the Fort Worth community, where residents with Down syndrome and their families will have access to cutting-edge clinical trials. As the first clinical site in Texas, UNT Health will play a significant role in better understanding the link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, which affects over 90% of individuals with Down syndrome by their early to mid-60s. The study's focus on the physical characteristics and function of participants' brains will provide valuable insights into the disease's progression and potential treatments. Furthermore, the trial-ready cohort will help address the historical exclusion of people with Down syndrome from clinical trials, ensuring that this population has a voice in the development of new treatments. This research has the potential to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome in Fort Worth and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: schools ·
Published: June 14, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? More than 90% of people with Down syndrome will get Alzheimer’s disease by the time they are in their early to mid-60s — and they often get it sooner. Clinical research at UNT Health Fort Worth will help scientists better understand the disease in people with Down syndrome and what causes it, aiding
When was this published? This article was first published on June 14, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by McKinnon Rice at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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