The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States has announced a $3 million fund to support the development and enhancement of research infrastructure related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in Africa. This fund aims to foster collaboration between American and African scientists, particularly in light of the projected threefold increase in the number of Africans aged 60 or older between 2020 and 2050, which is expected to lead to a higher prevalence of dementia and related health challenges.
The funding, provided by the NIH’s National Institute on Aging and the Fogarty International Center, will be distributed among four grants beginning next year. These grants will be allocated for the creation or improvement of infrastructure for research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including tools, surveys, biospecimens, and data.
The program’s overarching goal is to establish a sustainable foundation for neuroscience research in Africa, ultimately enabling the continent to address the growing burden of Alzheimer’s disease. The NIH’s call for applications emphasizes that proposals should be tailored to the unique context of Africa. For instance, it notes that older Africans are more likely to reside in rural areas, live in multigenerational households, and actively participate as caregivers for younger family members.
The suggested areas of research include investigations into the genetic factors contributing to Alzheimer’s disease in Africa, the impact of environmental factors such as air pollution, and the role of infections in the development of these conditions.
Interes applicants should submit their proposals by the deadline of February 14th next year. A pre-application webinar is scheduled for November 16th to provide further information and guidance.
Source: Research Professional