Towards onset prevention of cognition decline in adults with Down syndrome (The TOP-COG study): a pilot randomised controlled trial

Cooper, S.-A. et al. (2016) Towards onset prevention of cognition decline in adults with Down syndrome (The TOP-COG study): a pilot randomised controlled trial. Trials, 17, 370. (doi: 10.1186/s13063-016-1370-9) (PMID:27473843) (PMCID:PMC4966871)

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Abstract

Background: Dementia is very common in Down syndrome (trisomy 21) adults. Statins may slow brain amyloid β (Aβ, coded on chromosome 21) deposition and, therefore, delay Alzheimer disease onset. One prospective cohort study with Down syndrome adults found participants on statins had reduced risk of incident dementia, but there are no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on this issue. Evidence is sparse on the best instruments to detect longitudinal cognitive decline in older Down syndrome adults. Methods: TOP-COG was a feasibility/pilot, double-blind RCT of 12 months simvastatin 40 mg versus placebo for the primary prevention of dementia in Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome adults aged 50 years or older. Group allocation was stratified by age, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele status, and cholesterol level. Recruitment was from multiple general community sources over 12 months. Adults with dementia, or simvastatin contraindications, were excluded. Main outcomes were recruitment and retention rates. Cognitive decline was measured with a battery of tests; secondary measures were adaptive behaviour skills, general health, and quality of life. Assessments were conducted pre randomisation and at 12 months post randomisation. Blood Aβ40/Aβ42 levels were investigated as a putative biomarker. Results were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. A qualitative sub-study was conducted and analysed using the Framework Approach to determine recruitment motivators/barriers, and participation experience. Results: We identified 181 (78 %) of the likely eligible Down syndrome population, and recruited 21 (11.6 %), from an area with a general population size of 3,135,974. Recruitment was highly labour-intensive. Thirteen (62 %) participants completed the full year. Results favoured the simvastatin group. The most appropriate cognitive instrument (regarding ease of completion and detecting change over time) was the Memory for Objects test from the Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities battery. Cognitive testing appeared more sensitive than proxy-rated adaptive behaviour, quality of life, or general health scores. Aβ40 levels changed less for the simvastatin group (not statistically significant). People mostly declined to participate because of not wanting to take medication, and not knowing if they would receive simvastatin or placebo. Participants reported enjoying taking part. Conclusion: A full-scale RCT is feasible. It will need 37 % UK population coverage to recruit the required 160 participants. Information/education about the importance of RCT participation is needed for this population.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Alzheimer disease, dementia, down syndrome, neuropsychology, primary prevention, simvastatin, statin.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McConnachie, Professor Alex and Jahoda, Professor Andrew and Evans, Professor Jonathan and Stiles, Ms Ciara and Cooper, Professor Sally-Ann and Caslake, Professor Muriel and Greenlaw, Miss Nicola and Haig, Dr Caroline and Morrison, Professor Jill
Authors: Cooper, S.-A., Ademola, T., Caslake, M., Douglas, E., Evans, J., Greenlaw, N., Haig, C., Hassiotis, A., Jahoda, A., McConnachie, A., Morrison, J., Ring, H., Starr, J., Stiles, C., Sirisena, C., and Sullivan, F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
Journal Name:Trials
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1745-6215
Published Online:29 July 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Cooper et al.
First Published:First published in Trials 17: 370
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
529271Towards onset prevention of cognitive decline in adults with Down syndromeSally-Ann CooperScottish Executive Health Department (SEHHD-CSO)CZH/4/626IHW - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING