ADRD Risk and Disease Following Nervous System Exposures at Biological Interfaces with the Environment (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support research on environmental risk factors (ERFs) associated with Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementia (ADRD).

The initiative aims to explore how exogenous ERFs affect ADRD disease mechanisms through interactions at biological interfaces with the environment, such as the gut, mouth, throat, lungs, nasal passages, and skin. This research is critical as it addresses the increasing evidence that environmental exposures play a significant role in human health and diseases like ADRD.

Grant Details
This NOFO supports research projects that investigate how exogenous ERFs impact ADRD mechanisms and phenotypic outcomes. The research must focus on:
1) Identifying exogenous ERFs that reach nervous system biological interfaces;
2) Determining the effects of these ERFs on ADRD disease mechanisms;
3) Conducting mechanistic studies using animal models or other models;
4) Human studies are allowed if they include mechanistic insights into how these exposures influence ADRD.

The initiative encourages collaboration between neuroscientists specializing in ADRD and environmental scientists knowledgeable about neurotoxicology. Examples of relevant exogenous ERFs include air pollution, water contamination, climate change impacts, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions (public or private), nonprofits, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local/state governments, tribal governments, and various other organizations. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period for funded grants is 5 years.

Grant Value
NIH intends to commit a total budget of $3,750,000 per year to fund up to 5 awards. Each application budget is limited to no more than $500,000 in direct costs per year.