The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is interested in supporting research projects that investigate how specific neural exposome factors contribute mechanistically to Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD) pathology and resilience. For the purposes of this program, exposome factors of interest include, but are not limited to, environmental toxins, sleep and circadian rhythms, stress, and the real-world conditions that modulate them (e.g., light, noise, heat).

Applications will be expected to propose research on the synergistic action between multiple exposome factors, and the composite effects of mixtures of exposome factors on neural mechanisms relevant to ADRD. Applicants are encouraged to focus on mechanistic pathways (e.g., microbiome–brain interactions, neuroimmune signaling, epigenetic modifications) that link exposures to ADRD risk, progression, and resilience. Applicants are further encouraged to consider studies that cover the lifespan, including work that investigates critical or sensitive periods of exposure or factors that may lead to neurological health disparities. Applicants may propose mechanistic, translational, and/or human subjects research, drawing on clinical data, human samples, and observational or interventional studies. However, NIH-defined clinical trials will not be supported under this program.

Applications are not currently being solicited. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Investigative teams with expertise in exposomics and environmental neuroscience, community engagement, ADRD mechanisms, and non-medical factors that may lead to health disparities are encouraged to apply.

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