Sunday, October 27, 2024
10/27/2024
Translational Training in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Disorders This renewal application seeks to sustain our T32-supported Training Program to continue training postdoctoral fellows in the conduct of translational research focused on optimizing cognitive and physical function with aging and Alzheimer’s disease-related disorders (ADRD). This T32 has been continuously funded since 2009; in November, 2019, its scope and number of trainees increased from 3 to 5 fellows to include specific training in research related to ADRD, in alignment with the newly funded P30 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Of the 19 trainees appointed or who are pending appointment since the T32 began in 2009, 10 have an ADRD focus (53%). Of the 9 trainees appointed or who are pending appointment since the T32 was revised to include an ADRD focus in 2019, 6 have an ADRD focus (66.7%).Nationwide, there is a dearth of competent investigators trained in the appropriate skills to conduct research on prevention and treatment of mobility disability, ADRD, and other conditions that lead to loss of independence with aging. Thus, the research of our T32-supported trainees has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in advancing knowledge regarding the prevention of cognitive and functional disability and the best health care for older adults. The overall goal of our T32 Training Program is to help develop a new generation of researchers by providing an integrated career development path centered on training PhD/MD fellows in the skills and competencies needed to conduct translational research with a focus on the prevention of physical and cognitive disability. Importantly, the unique and seamless integration of both aging and ADRD research within the Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM) Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, and the supporting ADRC and Pepper Older Adult Independence Center, provides the ideal environment to facilitate trainees’ knowledge of the biological contributions and risk factors for aging- and ADRD-related changes in physical and cognitive function, and their inter-connectedness. Our scholars acquire 1) scientific knowledge in the fields of aging and brain biology, geroscience, and ADRD; 2) competencies needed to successfully and ethically conduct preclinical experiments, clinical trials, and/or longitudinal cohort studies of relevance to aging and ADRD; 3) experience and expertise in the measurement of cognitive and/or physical disability outcomes; and 4) specific technical or methodological skills in line with their individual interests. This training will place them in a position to successfully transition to an early-stage faculty position and to be highly competitive for new funding to continue their path towards independence. With a current research portfolio of funded grants totaling $73.96 million in direct costs ($55.7 million from NIA) awarded to our T32 Program Faculty, we have the scientific expertise, resources, and research opportunities available for training the next generation of investigators for success in aging and ADRD research.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
