February 5, 2023
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IMPACT Collaboratory announces release of funding opportunity RFA for Cycle 5A of Pilot Program
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory is pleased to announce a Request for Applications for the Pilot Grants Program Cycle 5A.
In this cycle, the IMPACT Collaboratory will fund up to five 1-year awards for pilot pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) that test non-pharmacological interventions embedded in health care system(s) for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) and their care partners. All applications should make a convincing case that the pilot ePCT proposed can take the next step to a full-scale Stage IV effectiveness ePCT, as defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is anticipated that Pilot Studies will be funded for up to $200,000 in direct costs for a maximum of 12-months (direct costs were raised from $175,000 to $200,000). Applicants from under-represented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for funding. For more information, please see our Pilot Grants Program page.
All applications for pilot ePCTs that evaluate non-pharmacological interventions to improve the care of people living with AD/ADRD and their care partners will be considered. However, this grant cycle will prioritize applications for interventions in these populations that aim to:
- Improve care through behavioral economics “nudge” interventions;
- Reduce inequities in health care;
- Reduce potentially inappropriate medications through de-prescribing; or
- Improve care in emergency departments.
The goal of the pilot projects is to generate the preliminary data necessary to design and conduct a future full-scale Stage IV effectiveness ePCT (based on the NIH Stage Model) funded through other grant mechanisms (NIH or other sources). Preference will be given to applications that address dementia care for populations traditionally marginalized or underrepresented in clinical trials and those that promote health equity.
Informational Webinar
An optional informational webinar will be hosted to provide investigators with an overview of application details and an opportunity to ask questions. Pre-registration is required using the link below.
Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 12:00pm ET: Registration closed.
Letters of Intent (LOI) – Required
Interested applicants are required to submit an LOI. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis through:
March 3, 2023 @5PM ET
Full Proposals (By invitation only)
Applications selected for further consideration will be invited to submit a full proposal due:
June 16, 2023 @ 5pm ET
IMPACT HET member María Aranda shares insights on caregiving planning in the New York Times
IMPACT Health Equity Team (HET) member María Aranda PhD, MSW, MPA, LCSW addresses the challenges of developing a caregiving plan in a recent New York Times article. “How to Make a Caregiving Plan (So It’s Ready When You Need It)” features insights from Aranda and other experts. Dr. Aranda shares tips for approaching caregiving conversations and developing a caregiving plan with aging family or friends before they need it.
In order to develop an effective caregiving plan, Aranda recommends communicating directly with those receiving care to better understand their wishes and designating multiple caregivers when possible. She suggests managing expectations and finding resources developed for caregivers.
To read the full article, visit this link.
IMPACT members to discuss nomenclature in dementia
Penn Memory Center at University of Pennsylvania Health System, is hosting a virtual event with IMPACT’s Jason Karlawish, MD and Angela Taylor, who will discuss the shortcomings and challenges of nomenclature in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Karlawish and Taylor are working to find the answers to questions like:
- What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
- Should we still use the word dementia?
- Does it make sense to say that a person with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can progress to Alzheimer’s disease?
- In the term “ADRD,” which stands for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related, does the second “D” stand for “disease,” “disorder,” or “dementia”?
The “Words Matter: Nomenclature in Dementia” event will take place January 18, 2023 at 12 pm ET.
Registration closed.
IMPACT members evaluate the effects of the Tailored Activity Program on dementia-related behaviors in different racial groups
Although nonpharmacological approaches are considered first-line treatments for dementia-related behaviors, it is unclear as to their effectiveness for different racial groups. IMPACT’s Laura Gitlin, PhD, FGSA, FAAN, Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN, Lauren Parker, PhD (2021-2022 IMPACT Faculty Scholar) evaluated the effects of the Tailored Activity Program (TAP) on agitated and aggressive behaviors in Black and White families.
They found that Black families, when compared to White families, derived greater behavioral benefits from TAP for people living with dementia (PLWD) at 3 months despite having less treatment exposure. Additionally, examining differential race effects may enhance precision in using nonpharmacological approaches and promote equity in dementia care for underserved populations.
To read the full article, visit this link.
