Exposomic Contributions to ADRD Pathology and Resilience

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecasted funding opportunity for research into the exposomic contributions to Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD). This initiative, titled "Exposomic Contributions to ADRD Pathology and Resilience," seeks to deepen scientific understanding of how environmental exposures impact the neurological mechanisms associated with the onset, progression, and potential resilience against ADRD. NINDS has a longstanding mission to support research that reduces the burden of neurological disease, and this opportunity builds upon that objective by integrating environmental health science into dementia-related research. The primary focus of this grant is to encourage mechanistic studies that examine how multiple exposomic factors interact to influence ADRD pathology. These exposome elements include, but are not limited to, environmental toxins, stress, sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and associated real-world conditions such as light, noise, and temperature. Importantly, applicants are expected to explore the synergistic effects of these factors rather than investigating them in isolation. The opportunity places a premium on studies that investigate underlying biological pathways, such as neuroimmune signaling, the gut-brain axis, and epigenetic modifications, through which environmental exposures may influence neurological health outcomes. Funding through this program may be used to support a variety of research modalities, including translational, mechanistic, and human subjects research. Applicants may use clinical data, human tissue samples, or observational/interventional study designs. Notably, NIH-defined clinical trials are explicitly excluded from consideration under this opportunity. There is a strong emphasis on the inclusion of research that spans the entire lifespan and on identifying critical or sensitive windows of exposure that may predispose individuals to ADRD or offer resilience against it. The program also encourages applications that explore how exposomic factors may contribute to or mitigate neurological health disparities, particularly among underrepresented or vulnerable populations. While this grant is currently in its forecasted stage and not yet accepting applications, the notice has been published well in advance to allow investigative teams to build strong interdisciplinary collaborations. Specifically, teams with expertise in exposomics, environmental neuroscience, community engagement, ADRD pathophysiology, and social determinants of health are encouraged to begin forming partnerships and preparing project frameworks. The program intends to foster integrative approaches that combine biological, environmental, and sociocultural perspectives to better understand ADRD. The expected application due date is October 5, 2026, with the estimated posting date set for July 1, 2026. Awards are projected to be made by June 1, 2027, with funded projects commencing on or around July 1, 2027. Although the notice does not identify required pre-application elements such as a letter of intent or concept paper, applicants should closely monitor the official notice for any updates once the opportunity becomes active. As of now, there is no indication of recurring deadlines or cost-sharing requirements. For more information or inquiries, applicants are advised to contact the NINDS Office of Neural Exposome and Toxicology and the NINDS Office of Global Health and Health Disparities via the official email address provided: [email protected]. This contact point can assist with questions related to eligibility, research scope, and submission logistics as potential applicants prepare for the upcoming funding cycle.