Researchers will explore disease mechanisms, translate findings to support people with Alzheimer’s and their families
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have announced a new Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (CARD) on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The new center is being constructed to support basic, translational and clinical research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Efforts will complement and enhance the work of thousands of researchers working across the globe to find a treatment or cure for these devastating diseases.
Expected to open its doors by Fall 2021, CARD will emphasize innovation, collaboration, transparency, rapid and wide data sharing, and advanced technological resources to accelerate the translation of scientific findings into real-world applications. The center will leverage the latest research approaches, collaboration opportunities with top researchers, and the unique resources of the NIH Clinical Center to enhance understanding of the mechanisms of AD/ADRD and identify likely targets to treat and prevent these disorders.
CARD is designed to encourage researchers within and outside of NIH to propose ideas and participate in a multi-disciplinary scientific environment focused on bridging basic, preclinical and clinical research in new ways. CARD researchers will conduct rapid screening of new ideas and approaches to quickly implement green-lit projects.
From its NIH campus location, CARD will benefit from close collaboration with intramural researchers across NIH Institutes and Centers working in a variety of scientific disciplines, as well as visiting academic and industry scientists. CARD will also focus on generating foundational data resources for the scientific community and equipping researchers with the expertise needed for the translation of discoveries to therapies. This will help ensure that its influence in the field will extend far beyond the NIH.
In addition, CARD will offer multiple opportunities for early career researchers, including access to technology and expertise, and seed funding as part of its effort to develop, train and diversify the research workforce.
The establishment of CARD is a crucial step forward in augmenting and building on existing efforts in the AD/ADRD research community. NIA and NINDS will continue to share updates as the new center takes shape.
For more information:
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Institute on Aging
- Focus on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
NINDS is the nation’s leading funder of research on the brain and nervous system. The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.
About the National Institute on Aging: The NIA leads the federal government effort conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute's broad scientific program seeks to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. For more information on research, aging, and health, visit the NIA website.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit the NIH website.