Program overview

Research questions may address the full spectrum of scientific discovery that advances Alzheimer's and dementia research and must be strongly relevant to the needs of people living in Kentucky. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Basic and translational science, spanning areas such as molecular underpinnings of disease, neuropathology, biomarker discovery, and drug discovery and development.
• Clinical and drug development research, such as studies examining the real-world effects of disease-modifying therapies on disease progression in Kentucky populations.
• Health disparities and rural health research addressing the needs of Kentucky's Appalachian communities, where access to specialists and clinical trials is limited.
• Implementation science — research on how to effectively deliver and scale evidence-based dementia interventions in real-world Kentucky settings.
• Population and public health research using Kentucky-specific data to inform prevention, risk-reduction, or care-delivery strategies tailored to the Commonwealth.

Eligibility

• Open only to investigators based at an eligible Kentucky organization (see below).
• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent) and have received it — or completed post-residency training — no more than 10 years before the LOI deadline.
• State- and federal-government-appropriated laboratories and for-profit organizations may not serve as the applicant institution.
• Full eligibility criteria are detailed in the RFA.

Key dates and deadlines

• Letter of Intent due: Dec. 1, 2026 – 5 p.m. ET (Dec. 3 for ISTAART members)
• Full application due: Jan. 4, 2027 – 5 p.m. ET (Jan. 2 for ISTAART members)
• Award notifications: by April 30, 2027

Funding overview

Application process

• Letters of intent are required and undergo blinded review; no personally identifiable information may appear in the LOI. More information can be found in the RFA and on ProposalCentral.
• Full applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral.
• All applicants and institutions are strongly encouraged to review the Conditions of Award to confirm they are able to accept them if awarded.

Application review process

Additional information

U.S. sanctions

Alzheimer's Association grants are generally open to scientists and researchers across the globe; however, as a U.S.-based charity, the Alzheimer's Association is subject to, and complies with, U.S. law. As a result, the Alzheimer's Association cannot award, and will not award, grants in violation of applicable U.S. statutes and regulations. This means, among other things, that the Alzheimer's Association cannot, and will not, fund any individual or entity (i) that is subject to U.S. comprehensive or targeted sanctions or if awarding funding would result in a violation of such sanctions, (ii) that is on the U.S. List of Specially Designated Nationals or entities owned or controlled by such persons, or (iii) when doing so is otherwise prohibited by U.S. laws related to combating terrorism.

Nondiscrimination and harassment statement

The Alzheimer's Association is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and discrimination. The Alzheimer's Association strictly prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race; creed; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; age; Veteran status; citizenship status; marital status; physical or mental disabilities; pregnancy, gender identity or expression (including transgender status); genetic information; and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Contact information

Please contact grantsapp@alz.org with any questions.