DoD Peer Reviewed Alzheimer's New Investigator Research Award

Description

The intent of the FY18 PRARP NIRA is to support early-career investigators interested in novel research efforts or new technologies within TBI and AD/ADRD in support of the PRARP’s mission (see Section II.A, Program Description). The research impact for the FY18 PRARP NIRA is expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. The FY18 PRARP NIRA is open to eligible applicants whose named Principal Investigators (PIs) are within 3 years of their first independent faculty position, from any field or discipline. The application should demonstrate the study team’s experience in both TBI and AD/ADRD research. Preliminary data, while not required, are encouraged. Preliminary data may come from the PI’s published work, pilot data, or from peer-reviewed literature. Note that applicants will be required to verify PI eligibility for this award. The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY18 PRARP NIRA will not exceed $225,000. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. FY18 PRARP NIRA Overarching Challenges: This FY18 PRARP NIRA funding opportunity requires applications to address one or more of the following FY18 PRARP NIRA Overarching Challenges: Paucity of Research Resources: The paucity of research resources to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD for the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. Paucity of Clinical Studies: The paucity of clinical studies to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD for the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. This includes research into risk factors that may predispose individuals to AD/ADRD subsequent to TBI. Diagnostic Technologies, Tests, Biomarkers, or Devices: The need for technologies, tests, or devices to detect or prognose the progression to AD/ADRD subsequent to TBI. This includes research into risk factors that may predispose individuals to AD/ADRD subsequent to TBI. Quality of Life: The need for technologies, assessments, interventions, or devices to benefit individuals living with the common symptoms or deficits of TBI and AD/ADRD. Caregiver Support: The need for technologies, assessments, interventions, or devices with the goal of enhancing the lives of caregivers for individuals living with the common symptoms or deficits of TBI and AD/ADRD. Epidemiology: The paucity of epidemiological research to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD for the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. This includes research into risk factors that may predispose individuals to AD/ADRD subsequent to TBI. FY18 PRARP NIRA Focus Areas: In addition to addressing one or more of the specified FY18 PRARP NIRA Overarching Challenges, applications should address at least one of the following FY18 PRARP NIRA Focus Areas in support of the FY18 PRARP NIRA Overarching Challenges. An application that proposes research outside of the FY18 PRARP NIRA Focus Areas is acceptable, as long as the applicant provides a strong rationale: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis: Identification of contributing mechanisms (e.g., diffuse/ traumatic axonal injury, roles of non-neuronal cells, neuroinflammation, immune regulation, biology/pathology of tau, vascular contributions, and omics techniques for examining mechanisms) associated with TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD pathogenesis. Biomarkers: Development of strategies to diagnose, prognose, or characterize neurological changes or risk factors associated with TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD (e.g., fluid-based, imaging-based, physiological, and omics techniques for biomarkers). Quality of Life: Research intended to alleviate, stabilize, or characterize the symptoms, or deficits, common to TBI, AD, and ADRD. Examples of research in this Focus Area include identification and management of comorbidities and modifiable risk factors (e.g., sleep apnea, obesity), cognitive training interventions, studies of health and wellness and behavioral interventions. Caregiver Support: Research intended to enhance the role of the caregiver for individuals living with the common symptoms or deficits of TBI and AD/ADRD. Examples of research in this Focus Area include caregiver training, home-based support, behavioral interventions, and relationship interventions. Epidemiological Research: Research focusing on the incidence, distribution, and other factors relating to the health of individuals affected by TBI and subsequent AD/ADRD. Novel Target Identification: Basic research (non-human) directly leading to the identification of new targets for the development of existing or new investigational medicines, drugs, or agents. Nonpharmacological Interventions: Research into non-medication-based interventions to improve quality of life or caregiving for those living with AD/ADRD. Note: Pharmacological interventions are specifically discouraged. A pharmacological intervention is defined as clinical research requiring investigational or U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs or medicines.

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