Dynamic Interactions between Systemic or Non-Neuronal Systems and the Brain in Aging and in Alzheimers Disease (R01) | PAR 17 029

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 17 029

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Dynamic Interactions between Systemic or Non-Neuronal Systems and the Brain in Aging and in Alzheimers Disease (R01)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-17-029) supports research that connects what happens in the rest of the body during aging with what happens in the brain during Alzheimers disease (AD). The central idea is that AD is not only a brain-limited disorder, and that aging-related changes in peripheral or systemic biology (including non-neuronal cells and organs outside the central nervous system) can shape the onset, clinical presentation, and progression of AD. Projects are expected to move beyond purely neuron-centered explanations and instead test how age-related shifts in whole-body physiology influence brain health and neurodegeneration.

This FOA emphasizes the role of systemic, peripheral, and non-neuronal factors, either alone or in combination, in driving or modifying AD pathogenesis and trajectories. In practical terms, it invites investigators to study dynamic cross-talk between organs and tissues (for example, immune system, cardiovascular system, metabolic tissues, gastrointestinal system, liver, kidney, endocrine and hormonal systems, or other peripheral compartments) and the brain, especially in the context of aging. The opportunity is framed around the premise that aging changes across multiple body systems may create biological conditions that promote neurodegenerative mechanisms, worsen vulnerability, accelerate decline, or alter symptoms and clinical course. By encouraging research that explicitly connects these domains, NIH is signaling interest in models where AD biology is influenced by broader age-associated physiology rather than arising solely from brain-intrinsic events.

A key goal of the program is to push multidisciplinary, integrative work that bridges traditional AD research with the basic biology of aging and with clinical aging research. The FOA is designed for innovative studies that pull together expertise across fields that often operate in parallel, such as gerontology and geriatrics, neurodegenerative disease biology, and clinical/translational specialties centered on systemic diseases or specific organ pathophysiology. Competitive applications are therefore likely to feature teams that can combine mechanistic experiments, human aging cohorts, clinical phenotyping, and translational approaches to map pathways linking peripheral dysfunction and brain changes. The broader intent is to uncover critical biological processes and pathophysiological pathways that could become actionable targets for prevention or intervention strategies, not only for AD but also for other dementias associated with aging.

The award mechanism is the NIH R01 research project grant, meaning it is aimed at substantial, hypothesis-driven or discovery-driven research programs rather than small pilot efforts. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is health (CFDA 93.866). While the listing provides an "Award Ceiling" field, it is not specified in the provided source text, and the number of expected awards is also not stated. The opportunity was created on 2016-10-21, and the original closing date listed in the source is 2019-11-05.

Eligibility is broad and includes many organizational types that can contribute meaningfully to aging and AD research. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education when specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations), Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized, and U.S. territories or possessions. This broad eligibility signals an intent to bring in diverse institutions and perspectives, including those embedded in communities disproportionately affected by aging-related disease burdens or positioned to recruit and study varied populations.

Overall, PAR-17-029 is best understood as an NIH effort to catalyze research that treats Alzheimers disease as a condition shaped by aging across the entire organism. The program prioritizes studies that can explain how peripheral and non-neuronal biology interacts with the brain over time, identify mechanistic links and shared pathways, and translate those insights into new strategies to prevent, slow, or modify AD and related dementias in older adults.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Dynamic Interactions between Systemic or Non-Neuronal Systems and the Brain in Aging and in Alzheimers Disease (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-10-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-11-05. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 17 029

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