Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 147
The grant opportunity titled "Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA 18-147) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant that supports clinical research focused on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (often shortened to BPSD). The central idea behind the announcement is that many distressing behaviors and psychological symptoms in dementia are not just random or inevitable, but may be triggered or worsened by unmet needs. These needs can be physical (such as pain, sleep problems, hunger, medication side effects, sensory impairment), social (such as isolation, lack of meaningful interaction, communication barriers, caregiver relationship strain), or environmental (such as overstimulation, confusing layouts, poor lighting, noise, unsafe or restrictive settings). The FOA is designed to stimulate studies that identify, measure, and address those unmet needs in ways that reduce BPSD and improve day-to-day quality of life for people living with dementia.
The research emphasis is clinical and intervention-oriented: applicants are expected to propose work that connects BPSD to specific unmet needs and tests practical approaches to reduce symptoms by meeting those needs more effectively. Because the mechanism is an R01, the scope is meant for substantial, hypothesis-driven projects rather than small pilot efforts. The label "Clinical Trial Optional" means the FOA allows, but does not require, a clinical trial; applicants can propose either a clinical trial (for example, testing a nonpharmacologic intervention in a real-world care setting) or other types of clinical research that still directly address the FOA goals. In general terms, strong applications under this theme would be expected to demonstrate a clear conceptual pathway from unmet needs to behavioral symptoms, include rigorous measurement of both needs and outcomes, and prioritize endpoints that matter to patients and caregivers, such as reduced agitation, anxiety, aggression, wandering, apathy, or sleep disruption, alongside improved comfort, function, engagement, and overall quality of life.
The opportunity sits within the NIH health and education funding activity category and is associated with CFDA 93.361. It was created on November 7, 2017, and the original closing date listed is January 7, 2020. The listing does not provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided source data, which typically means those specifics may vary by year, institute, or available appropriations and are often clarified in related NIH budget guidance or the full FOA text.
Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive, reflecting NIH's goal of supporting dementia research across many types of institutions and communities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), eligible federal government agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). Practically, this wide eligibility is important because dementia care happens in many settings beyond academic medical centers, including community organizations, long-term care facilities, public housing contexts, tribal health programs, and resource-limited environments where unmet needs may be especially pronounced.
In plain terms, this FOA is looking for research that moves beyond describing BPSD and instead tests workable, evidence-based strategies that reduce challenging symptoms by improving the fit between the person with dementia and their care environment. The strongest match is research that treats behavior as meaningful communication of discomfort or mismatch, then demonstrates that systematically identifying and addressing underlying unmet needs can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for both people with dementia and the individuals and systems that support their care.Apply for PA 18 147
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.361.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-07.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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FAQs: Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PA 18-147.
Which agency is offering this grant?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity.
What is the main purpose of this FOA?
The FOA supports clinical research that reduces behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) by identifying, measuring, and addressing underlying unmet needs that may trigger or worsen those symptoms, with the goal of improving day-to-day quality of life for people living with dementia.
What are BPSD (behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia)?
In this FOA, BPSD refers to distressing behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, such as agitation, anxiety, aggression, wandering, apathy, and sleep disruption.
What does the FOA mean by "unmet needs" in people with dementia?
Unmet needs are underlying physical, social, or environmental factors that may be contributing to distressing behaviors and symptoms. The FOA emphasizes that these behaviors may not be random or inevitable, and may be reduced when unmet needs are identified and addressed.
What are examples of physical unmet needs mentioned in the FOA summary?
Examples include pain, sleep problems, hunger, medication side effects, and sensory impairment.
What are examples of social unmet needs mentioned in the FOA summary?
Examples include isolation, lack of meaningful interaction, communication barriers, and caregiver relationship strain.
What are examples of environmental unmet needs mentioned in the FOA summary?
Examples include overstimulation, confusing layouts, poor lighting, noise, and unsafe or overly restrictive settings.
What kind of research is this FOA trying to encourage?
The emphasis is clinical and intervention-oriented research. Applicants are expected to connect BPSD to specific unmet needs and test practical, evidence-based approaches to reduce symptoms by meeting those needs more effectively.
Is a clinical trial required?
No. The FOA is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning a clinical trial is allowed but not required. Applicants may propose either a clinical trial (such as testing a nonpharmacologic intervention in a real-world care setting) or other clinical research that directly addresses the FOA goals.
What does "R01" indicate about the project scope?
Because this uses the R01 mechanism, the intended scope is for substantial, hypothesis-driven projects rather than small pilot efforts.
What types of outcomes or endpoints does the FOA prioritize?
The FOA emphasizes endpoints that matter to patients and caregivers, including reductions in symptoms like agitation, anxiety, aggression, wandering, apathy, or sleep disruption, along with improvements in comfort, function, engagement, and overall quality of life.
What does a strong application generally need to demonstrate, based on the description provided?
Strong projects are expected to include (1) a clear conceptual pathway from unmet needs to behavioral symptoms, (2) rigorous measurement of both unmet needs and outcomes, and (3) an emphasis on practical approaches and meaningful patient- and caregiver-centered endpoints tied to quality of life.
What is the underlying concept behind treating behavior in dementia in this FOA?
The FOA reflects the idea that behavior can be meaningful communication of discomfort or a mismatch between the person and their care environment, and that systematically addressing underlying unmet needs can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for both individuals with dementia and those who support their care.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The opportunity sits within the NIH health and education funding activity category.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 93.361.
When was this opportunity created?
The listing indicates it was created on November 7, 2017.
What is the original closing date listed in the provided information?
The original closing date listed is January 7, 2020.
Is there an award ceiling or expected number of awards listed in the provided information?
No. The provided source data does not include an award ceiling or an expected number of awards. The summary notes these specifics may vary by year, institute, or available appropriations and are often clarified in related NIH guidance or the full FOA text.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments
- Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
Are specific institution types explicitly highlighted as eligible?
Yes. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); eligible federal government agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).
Can non-U.S. (foreign) organizations apply?
Yes. The description notes that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are eligible.
Why does the FOA emphasize broad eligibility?
The description explains that dementia care occurs in many settings beyond academic medical centers, including community organizations, long-term care facilities, public housing contexts, tribal health programs, and resource-limited environments where unmet needs may be especially pronounced.
What kinds of settings or contexts does this FOA seem relevant to (based on the description)?
Based on the description, the FOA is relevant to real-world dementia care environments such as community-based programs, long-term care settings, public or Indian housing contexts, tribal health programs, and other environments where social and environmental factors can shape unmet needs and behavioral symptoms.
What is the overall "fit" of projects this FOA is looking for?
The description suggests the best fit is research that moves beyond describing BPSD and instead tests workable strategies that reduce challenging symptoms by improving the match between the person with dementia and their care environment, through systematic identification and addressing of unmet needs.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Improving Individual and Family Outcomes through Continuity and Coordination of Care in Hospice (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 148 Funding Number: PA 18 148 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Personalized Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Illness (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 156 Funding Number: PA 18 156 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Innovative Questions in Symptom Science and Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 139 Funding Number: PA 18 139 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Use of Technology to Enhance Patient Outcomes and Prevent Illness (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 163 Funding Number: PA 18 163 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Addressing Unmet Needs in Persons with Dementia to Decrease Behavioral Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 165 Funding Number: PA 18 165 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Personalized Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Illness (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 138 Funding Number: PA 18 138 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanisms, Models, Measurement, and Management in Pain Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 159 Funding Number: PA 18 159 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Symptom Management in HIV-Infected Individuals with Comorbid Conditions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 161 Funding Number: PA 18 161 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Health Promotion Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Males (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 162 Funding Number: PA 18 162 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Use of Technology to Enhance Patient Outcomes and Prevent Illness (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 145 Funding Number: PA 18 145 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Self-Management Interventions and Technologies to Sustain Health and Optimize Functional Capabilities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 146 Funding Number: PA 18 146 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Symptom Management in HIV-Infected Individuals with Comorbid Conditions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 143 Funding Number: PA 18 143 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Altered neuronal circuits, receptors and networks in HIV-induced Central Nervous System (CNS) dysfunction (R21- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 18 611 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 611 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Palliative Care Needs of Individuals with Advanced Rare Diseases and Their Family Caregivers (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 149 Funding Number: PA 18 149 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Questions in Symptom Science and Genomics (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 157 Funding Number: PA 18 157 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Self-Management Interventions and Technologies to Sustain Health and Optimize Functional Capabilities (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 164 Funding Number: PA 18 164 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Palliative Care Needs of Individuals with Rare Advanced Diseases and Their Family Caregivers (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 167 Funding Number: PA 18 167 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Improving Individual and Family Outcomes through Continuity and Coordination of Care in Hospice (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 166 Funding Number: PA 18 166 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Short-term Mentored Career Enhancement Awards for Mid-Career Investigators to Integrate Basic Behavioral and Social Sciences (K18 - No Independent Clinical Trials) Apply for PAR 18 349 Funding Number: PAR 18 349 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Altered neuronal circuits, receptors and networks in HIV-induced Central Nervous System (CNS) dysfunction (R01)-Clinical Trial Not Allowed Apply for RFA MH 18 610 Funding Number: RFA MH 18 610 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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