Lauren Ptomey

Dr. Lauren Ptomey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She serves as Director of the Brain Health in Down Syndrome Program at the KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Associate Director of the Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, and Scientific Director of Clinical Research at the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition. As a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of research experience, Dr. Ptomey has been continuously funded by NIH since 2016 and has served as Principal or Multiple Principal Investigator on 5 NIH R01 grants.

Dr. Ptomey's primary research focus is on promoting weight management and physical activity in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome. Her work addresses a critical gap, as this population faces increased risk of obesity and related conditions including Alzheimer's Disease, yet has been historically underserved in research. She has conducted the largest and longest weight management and physical activity studies for this population, with findings that have informed healthcare and policy recommendations.

Her secondary research focus involves Alzheimer's Disease prevention in adults with Down syndrome. Dr. Ptomey completed the first long-term exercise trial examining exercise's impact on Alzheimer's-related factors in adults with Down syndrome and currently serves as site PI for two major NIH-funded studies: the Alzheimer's Biomarker Consortium-Down Syndrome and Clinical Trials to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome longitudinal cohorts.

Dr. Ptomey has published extensively on weight management interventions, physical activity patterns, and the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Her research has demonstrated innovative approaches to remote interventions, caregiver involvement in treatment, and the development of specialized assessment tools for this population. Her work bridges nutrition science, exercise physiology, and cognitive health to address the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Ptomey is an active member of professional organizations including the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, where she previously served as Chair (2013-2014). Her expertise has contributed to expert recommendations on weight management for youth with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.

Her educational background includes a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Saint Louis University, an MS in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Kansas Medical Center, a PhD in Medical Nutrition Science from the University of Kansas Medical Center, and a Post Doctoral Fellowship in Physical Activity and Energy Balance at the same institution. As a Licensed Dietitian, she brings clinical expertise to her research endeavors.