Novel Mechanism Research on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimers Dementia (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA MH 19 510

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 19 510

This grant opportunity, titled "Novel Mechanism Research on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimers Dementia (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)," is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding announcement designed to support research that explains why neuropsychiatric symptoms occur in people living with Alzheimers disease (AD) and Alzheimers disease-related dementias (ADRD). The central focus is on mechanism: the studies funded under this announcement are expected to move beyond simply describing symptoms and instead clarify the underlying biobehavioral and neurobiological pathways that lead to common and burdensome psychiatric and behavioral changes in dementia. The intent is that stronger mechanistic knowledge will point to new intervention targets to reduce symptom burden and caregiver strain, or help identify better prevention strategies that could limit the emergence or progression of these symptoms in the first place.

The opportunity uses the NIH R01 mechanism, which is the standard research project grant meant for well-justified, hypothesis-driven programs of work. The "Clinical Trial Optional" designation means applicants may propose either non-clinical trial mechanistic studies or studies that include a clinical trial component, as long as the work fits the overall purpose of explaining mechanisms related to neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD/ADRD. In practical terms, this allows a wide range of approaches, from observational and laboratory-based human studies to intervention studies that test mechanistically grounded targets, provided the research is framed around understanding the pathways that produce symptoms such as agitation, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosis, sleep disturbances, irritability, or related behavioral and emotional changes that often accompany dementia.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity in the health funding category, funded by NIH under CFDA 93.242, and identified as Funding Opportunity Number RFA MH 19 510. The listing indicates an original application due date of March 19, 2019, and a creation date of September 18, 2018, which places it as a time-limited solicitation rather than an always-open program announcement. While the record does not provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards, the key takeaway is that it was a targeted request for applications intended to stimulate focused, mechanistic research on NPS in dementia rather than general Alzheimers research.

Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive. In addition to typical academic and research organizations, eligible applicants include state, county, city, and 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; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where relevant); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types that NIH encourages to apply, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). Taken together, the eligibility language signals an interest in supporting diverse institutions and settings, which can be important for recruiting representative participant samples and studying symptom mechanisms across different populations and care environments.

Overall, the purpose of the FOA is to accelerate progress on a major unmet need in dementia care by funding research that clarifies how and why neuropsychiatric symptoms arise in AD/ADRD. By prioritizing mechanistic insights that connect biology, behavior, and lived experience, the program is meant to lay groundwork for more precise and effective ways to prevent, detect, and treat these symptoms, ultimately reducing distress for patients and easing the burden on caregivers and health systems.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Novel Mechanism Research on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimers Dementia (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-09-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-03-19. (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 RFA MH 19 510

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