Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline and Dementias of Aging in Individuals within the Autism Spectrum

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled “Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline and Dementias of Aging in Individuals within the Autism Spectrum.” This grant reflects the federal government’s ongoing investment in both aging-related research and neurodevelopmental disorders. The NIA, known for its commitment to understanding the biological, clinical, and behavioral aspects of aging, is advancing research that merges expertise in aging, dementia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through this opportunity. The goal of the forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support observational studies that explore the manifestation and progression of cognitive decline and dementia in individuals living with ASD across the lifespan. Specifically, the research aims to characterize the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) within this population and to validate or discover biomarkers that can signal cognitive decline. Applicants are encouraged to pursue deep phenotyping and precision-medicine approaches to address the unique needs and variability found within the ASD community. This opportunity is intended for collaborative research projects that bridge the domains of autism and aging. It is especially focused on promoting partnerships between researchers from neurodevelopmental and aging-related institutions. Applicants are expected to develop comprehensive, interdisciplinary proposals that leverage existing research infrastructures and engage in advanced biomarker characterization. Although the specific scope of funding (award ceilings, floors, and total funding) is not yet announced, the funding mechanism will be a Cooperative Agreement under the U01 activity code, signifying substantial federal involvement in project oversight and support. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and private organizations, including federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, institutions of higher education (both public and private), public housing authorities, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), small businesses, and for-profit organizations that are not small businesses. The opportunity is open nationwide and not limited to any geographic areas or specific states. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. The NOFO is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated post date of December 1, 2025. The anticipated application due date is February 5, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced on December 1, 2026, with project start dates aligning with the award date. Given the nature of the opportunity, which encourages long-term planning and collaboration, the forecast provides potential applicants with substantial lead time to develop strong and integrated proposals. There are currently no additional deadlines for letters of intent or pre-applications specified. For additional information, potential applicants may contact Alessandra Rovescalli, Ph.D., at the National Institute on Aging. She can be reached at rovescaa@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 301-215-0335. This forecasted opportunity is part of a broader effort by the NIA to deepen the understanding of neurodegeneration in underrepresented populations and to ultimately develop targeted interventions for age-related cognitive disorders within the autism community.