DoD Peer Reviewed Alzheimer's Military Risk Factors Research Award

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The intent of the FY14 Military Risk Factors Research Award (MRFA) is to facilitate high-impact, systematic, population-based research investigating the association between TBI and the subsequent development of AD. Applications should describe how the association of TBI and subsequent AD will be characterized. Applications should also describe how the proposed study will work with well-defined, already identified study cohorts. Applications should carefully consider how their studies will characterize the cognitive and behavioral symptoms that result in functional impairments in the proposed cohort. Studies that use combinations of measures (e.g., neuropsychological assessments, imaging, genomics, and cerebral spinal fluid) are encouraged. Applications that develop interdisciplinary teams or consortia as part of the support plan for executing the research are encouraged. Important Note: Applications must detail and demonstrate expedited access to a well-defined, already identified study cohort. Preliminary data that supports how the cohort will be used in the study is also required. The preliminary data must strongly support the proposed research hypothesis (or hypotheses). Refer to the Review Criteria in this Program Announcement/ Funding Opportunity for details. Overarching Challenge: This MRFA funding opportunity requires applications to address the following PRARP Overarching Challenge: Paucity of Clinical Studies: The paucity of clinical studies and other research resources to examine the interrelationship between TBI and subsequent AD for military Veterans/other individuals affected by TBI. Focus Areas: In addition to addressing the Overarching Challenge, applications must also address at least one of the following FY14 PRARP Focus Areas in support of the Overarching Challenge. An application that proposes research outside of these Focus Areas is acceptable, as long as the applicant provides a strong rationale: Genomics/Proteomics/Bioinformatics: Studies or technologies (e.g., genetic, proteomic and epigenetic strategies) intended to characterize neurological change associated with TBI and subsequent AD. In addition to studies, relevant technologies or tests may be considered under this focus area. Imaging: Development and application of anatomic and molecular imaging strategies to characterize neurological changes associated with TBI and subsequent AD While the MRFA mechanism can be used to support clinical research, the following is specifically discouraged under the FY14 PRARP: Pharmacologic Interventions: Clinical or Basic research requiring investigational or FDA-approved drugs or medicines. Drug Discovery and Development: Clinical or Basic research directly leading to the development of investigational medicines, drugs, or agents.

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