DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Vision – To address and mitigate long-term implications of traumatic brain injury and military service as they pertain to Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias

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Consistent with the PRARP’s mission and vision, the program seeks to support transformative research on the intersection of TBI-AD/ADRD. The PRARP prioritizes efforts aimed at improving diagnosis and prognosis now – including methods, technologies, patient access and education, and accuracy.

There is an urgent need to prevent and reduce the risk of developing AD/ADRD, particularly following TBI and other deleterious exposures. Active-duty and former military personnel are at increased risk of developing dementia following their service. The PRARP encourages culturally competent innovation to accelerate research and interventions in the risk reduction and prevention space.

The PRARP supports research that improves the lives of people living with dementia now. PRARP-supported research should, with a sense of urgency, provide meaningful outcomes to support caregivers and persons with AD and ADRD. Additionally, the PRARP prioritizes a focus on partnership between those performing the research with those most impacted by these conditions.

Like millions of Americans and others around the globe, active-duty Service Members and Veterans often shoulder the additional responsibility of caring for loved ones with dementia. In situations such as deployment and reassignment, unique pressures and challenges exist for active-duty Service Members who serve as care and support partners, which can significantly impact both readiness and personal health. The program prioritizes support for more research in this critical area. Much more work is needed to effectively support quality of life for both the individual living with the diagnosis and their families/care communities.

The PRARP emphasizes that the outcomes of PRARP-funded research should be applicable to all and are representative of the populations they aim to benefit. Therefore, awards supported by the program are expected to address diversity and equity in investigator teams and study populations, including, but not limited to, social and structural determinants of health such as sex, gender, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, geography, and health care access.

For FY23, the PRARP is seeking research in the following focus areas:

  • Prevention and Risk Reduction: Research to identify risk factors; culturally competent strategies to reduce AD/ADRD risk and prevent cognitive problems following TBI and/or military service; understanding the role of social determinants of health in risk reduction and subsequent AD/ADRD.
  • Diagnostics, Prognostics, and Environmental Factors: The need for technologies, tests, questionnaires, devices, biomarkers, or analyses to detect the relationship between military service-related risk factors and AD/ADRD. This includes epidemiological research to examine the interrelationship between military service, risk and resiliency factors, and subsequent AD/ADRD.
  • Individual, Family, and Care Support: The need for technologies, assessments, interventions, or devices that enhance the lives of those living with AD/ADRD and providing care, especially to Service Members and Veterans.

Frequently asked questions for the FY23 PRARP funding opportunities


Congressional Appropriations

Congressional
Appropriations

  • $168 million
    FY11-22
  • $15 million
    FY23

Funding Summary

Funding
Summary


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International Alzheimer's Disease Research Portfolio

Dr. Michael Jaffee

University of Florida
Collaborating on Military Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

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A Link between TBI and Alzheimer's Disease?
The Advocate's Perspective

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Vision

To address and mitigate long-term implications of traumatic brain injury and military service as they pertain to Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias

Mission

Support research to (1) understand the association between TBI and other military service-related risk factors and Alzheimer’s disease/Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias, and (2) improve quality of life and reduce the burden on affected individuals and caregivers for the military, Veterans, and the public

Last updated Wednesday, February 7, 2024