September 2009 Director's Status Report

• Budget and Appropriations
• Legislative Update
• Staff Changes
• Institute-Sponsored Meetings, Workshops, and Conferences
• General Information (Meetings and Exhibits, Staff Awards, Publications, News Releases, NIA Web Activities)
• Relevant Notices and Initiatives Published in the NIH Guide
  

BUDGET and APPROPRIATIONS

Status of FY 2009, 2010, and 2011 Budgets

FY 2009

In FY 2009, the NIA currently estimates support of 1,522 RPGs, including 350 new and competing projects. Support levels for other funding mechanisms include 74 research centers for $86 million; 257 other research grants, including 230 research career awards, for a total of $34.51 million; 600 full-time training positions for $24.14 million, and a total of $71.6 million for R&D contracts.

On February 17, 2009, the President signed into law H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The ARRA was enacted to: (1) preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery, (2) assist those most impacted by the recession, (3) provide investments to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health, (4) invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits, and (5) stabilize State and local government budgets, in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases. Included in the ARRA bill is $7.4 billion for NIH which is available until September 30, 2010. The NIA portion of the economic stimulus is $273.3 million.

FY 2010

On July 24, the House Appropriations Committee passed H.R. 3293, the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill. The bill provides NIH with a total program level of $31.26 billion, which is $500 million over the FY 2010 President’s Budget, and 3.1 percent higher than the FY 2009 Enacted level. For NIA, the House Mark is $1.12 billion, which is 3.6 percent higher than the FY 2009 Enacted level of $1.08 billion.

On July 30, the Full Senate Appropriations Committee approved by a voice vote the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill. The bill provides NIH with a total program level of $30.76 billion, the same level as the FY 2010 President’s Budget. For NIA, the Senate Mark is $1.1 billion, which is 1.7 percent higher than the FY 2009 Enacted level of $1.08 billion.

FY 2011

Preliminary work on the budget for FY 2011 has begun using the FY 2010 President’s Budget request as the base. After intermediate stages of review, the President’s Budget request for FY 2011 will be presented to Congress in February 2010, at which time it will become available to the public.

Summary

A table showing the NIA FY 2008, 2009 and 2010 funding levels by budget mechanism is included below. Please note that this table does not include ARRA funds or ARRA-solicited applications and the FY 2009 column does not reflect the proposed NIA reprogramming.

(Dollars in thousands)

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Proposed NIH/NIA Legislation:

H.R. 3293, the FY 2010 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations – On July 24, 2009, the House passed H.R. 3293 by a roll call vote of 264 to 153. The $730.5 billion FY 2010 spending bill provides $160.7 billion in discretionary spending, $11 billion more than in 2009 and $1.8 billion more than President Obama requested. The NIH Funding level in the bill remained unchanged at the full conference level and provides a 3.1 percent overall increase from FY 2009 Enacted level– a total of $31.258 billion.

On July 28, the Senate subcommittee approved its $163.1 billion discretionary spending draft, which is approximately $300 million more than the House-passed bill. Floor action on the Senate measure was not expected before the Senate recess on Aug 7.

H.R. 2987, the Cure and Understanding Through Research for Alzheimer’s Disease (La Cura Act) of 2009 – On June 19, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) introduced H.R. 2987 in the House. The measure proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure sufficient resources and increase efforts for research at the National Institutes of Health relating to Alzheimer's disease, to authorize an education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer's disease (with particular emphasis on education and outreach in Hispanic populations) and for other purposes. The measure is pending action by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 3286/S. 1492 – On July 22, Representative Markey (D-MA) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D- MD) introduced the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2009. H.R. 3286/S. 1492 would increase the authorization level for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, and require the Director of NIA to make supporting AD research a priority for the Institute. In addition, the legislation would require an expansion of clinical research on AD with a focus on (1) early diagnosis and detection, (2) the relationship of vascular disease and AD, and (3) expediting the translation of research findings into effective treatments and prevention strategies. The bill would require the Secretary, HHS, within three years of enactment of the legislation and every three years thereafter, to convene a summit on AD for the purpose of providing a detailed overview of current research activities at NIH, as well as to discuss and solicit input to potential areas of collaboration related to research, prevention, and treatment of AD between NIH and other Federal agencies.

H.R. 3170, the FY 2010 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. – On July 16, the House passed H.R. 3170 by a vote of 219-208. This legislation contains many government-wide provisions applicable to NIH. Of note, it continues the A-76 prohibition regarding competitive sourcing and contains a new provision that would require each department or agency to develop an inventory of service contracts. Regarding the annual cost-of-living allowance for Federal employees, H.R. 3170 does not contain a pay raise provision since the House agrees with the Administrations’ request of two percent.

S. 1110, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Reform Act of 2009 – On May 20, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced S. 1110. Of interest to NIH, provisions would authorize the Commission to advise the Secretary, through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and NIH, on priorities for health services research. In addition, it would authorize the Commission to have access to all raw data and research conducted or funded by the Federal government, including data and research produced by NIH, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and AHRQ. Finally, NIH and AHRQ would be required, not less than twice a year, to submit a report to the Commission containing information on any research conducted which has relevance for the determinations and recommendations being considered by the Commission. S. 1110 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

S. 1142, the Informed Health Care Decision Making Act of 2009 – On May 21, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), introduced S. 1142. The bill would require the disclosure of comparative clinical effectiveness information in labeling and advertisements (if no such information exists, then such a disclosure must be made). In order to carry out this new mandate, the Secretary, acting through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), would be required to establish methodological standards for the sources of evidence appropriate for inclusion of comparative clinical effectiveness information in labeling and advertisements.

Comparative clinical effectiveness in this legislation is defined as “the clinical outcomes, effectiveness, safety, and clinical appropriateness of a drug or device in comparison to 1 or more drugs or devices, respectively, approved to prevent, diagnose, or treat the same health condition for the same patient demographic subpopulation.” S. 1142 was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) NIH Committees and Legislation
Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, and Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Director, serve as co-chairs for the NIH CER Coordinating Committee. Dr. Richard Suzman, NIA Division of Behavioral and Social Research, is a member of the NIH Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Workgroup (AHRQ) Dr. Marie Bernard, NIA Deputy Director, is representing Dr. Richard Suzman on the Trans-NIH Comparative Effectiveness Portfolio Workgroup.

Several legislative measures have been proposed to amend the CER provisions passed in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). CER provisions have been proposed and may be included in the final Health Reform bills.

H.R. 3200 – On July 17, the House Committee on Ways and Means approved, by a vote of 23-18, H.R. 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. Of the over 40 amendments offered, only the 794-page manager’s amendment was adopted. Provisions establishing a center for comparative effectiveness research remain in this version. An amendment offered by Wally Herger (R-CA) to prohibit CMS from using federally-funded clinical comparative effectiveness research data to make coverage decisions was rejected by a vote of 15-26.

H.R. 2520/S. 1099 – On May 20, Representative Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) introduced H.R. 2520 and S. 1099, respectively, the Patients’ Choice Act. Of interest to NIH is section 904, which would terminate the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-16). The legislation would also establish an interagency coordinating committee to develop a national strategic plan for disease prevention. The NIH Director would be a member of this committee. H.R. 2520 was jointly referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. S. 1099 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Research (STTR) Legislation:

On July 23, the Senate passed S. 1390, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Included in this authorization bill, as an amendment, was the full text of the Senate-passed bill S. 1233, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2009. This latter measure includes the increase of the SBIR set-aside from 2.5 to 3.5 percent and the increase of the STTR from 0.3 to 0.6, which would bring the total for the program to 4.1 percent. The House passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act in June. Conferees have been named and the measure was ready for conference to begin on August 5.

S. 1513 – On July 24, the Senate passed S. 1513, a bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. The bill would extend the current extension from July 31 to September 30, 2009. The bill was debated in the House on July 28, and passed under suspension by voice vote on July 29.

NIA Congressional Briefings:

On July 21, at the request of Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Dr. Richard Hodes, Dr. Richard Suzman, Dr. Sid Stahl, and Dr. Tamara Jones, met with Mrs. Roybal-Allard and her staff to provide an update on the NIA Roybal Centers for Translational Research in the Behavioral and Social Sciences of Aging.

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STAFF CHANGES

Dr. Jaron Lockett joined the NIA as the new Intramural Scientific Recruiter and Associate Training Director for the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Dr. Lockett received his Ph.D. at Detroit's Wayne State University in Cellular and Molecular Pathobiology after graduating with an undergraduate degree in biology from Bowie State University. He did postdoctoral work in the Laboratory of Neurosciences under Dr. Stuart Maudsley and in the Laboratory of Immunology under Dr. Ashani Weeraratna.

Dr. Josephine Egan accepted the appointment as the new Chief, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation (LCI), NIA. Dr. Egan has served as Acting Chief since the departure of Dr. Darrell Abernethy in 2007.

Ms. Barbara Torrey joined BSR on August 10, 2009, as a special volunteer. Ms. Torrey is a Visiting Scholar at the Population Reference Bureau in Washington, DC, and was Executive Director of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the National Research Council until 2002. Before joining the National Research Council, Ms. Torrey had directed the Center for International Research at the US Census Bureau, was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Income Security Policy at the Department of Health and Human Services and a fiscal economist at the Office of Management and Budget. She did both her undergraduate and graduate work at Stanford University in development economics. Subsequently, she did much of her research on the interactions of population change and economics. She has lived and worked in Japan, South East Asia, and East Africa. She has published a number of articles on both domestic and international topics and is a member of the Population Association of America (PAA) and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Ms. Torrey will assist BSR with the development of initiatives in economics.

Dr. Miroslaw Mackiewicz joined the Division of Neuroscience as a Health Scientist Administrator to develop and manage the Integrative Neurobiology and Sleep/Biological Rhythms Sections in the Neurobiology of Aging Branch. Dr. Mackiewicz earned his Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the Institute of Oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Warsaw, Poland. He completed his postdoctoral training at the Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology where he conducted cancer-related research including mapping of genetic rearrangements in human carcinomas. He then moved to the Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine as a postdoctoral fellow where he studied sleep and the impact of sleep and age on energy stores in the CNS. Prior to joining NIA, Dr. Mackiewicz was a Research Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and was Director of the Molecular Biology, Behavioral Assessment, and Biomarker Core Laboratories at the Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology. His research focused on the molecular mechanisms regulating sleep and wakefulness, employing techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and genomics. He is an active member of the Sleep Research Society where he served on the Presidential Task Force on Genetics and Sleep.

Dr. Lorenzo Refolo joined the Division of Neuroscience as the program director for the area of the molecular and cellular etiology of Alzheimer’s disease. He received a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the New Jersey State University of Medicine and Dentistry and subsequently trained as a post-doctoral fellow at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, investigating the molecular and cell biology of the Alzheimer's Amyloid Precursor Protein. After concluding his post-doctoral training, Dr. Refolo held faculty positions at the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and New York University’s Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. Following his academic career, Dr. Refolo served as the Scientific Director at the Institute for the Study of Aging. From 2005 until the present, he was a program director in the Neurodegeneration Cluster at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) where his major responsibility was management of grants on ALS and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Departures:

Dr. Shari Ling, Staff Clinician, Clinical Research Branch (CRB), departed NIA to accept a position at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). She will continue to work with the CRB as a special volunteer.

Dr. Samer Najjar, Staff Clinician, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science (LCS), left NIA to accept a position at the Washington Hospital Center. He will continue to work with the Clinical Research Branch as a special volunteer.

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INSTITUTE-SPONSORED MEETINGS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES, AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ACTIVITIES

I. Past Meetings

Harmonization of Longitudinal Aging Surveys – February 9-14, 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory meeting brought together a group of experts, including the principal investigators from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS), comparable international studies, and teams developing such studies, to a meeting to support harmonization of surveys and the development of a cross-national research agenda on health and health systems. The meeting was held in New Delhi, India. (For more information, contact Drs. Richard Suzman or John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3136.)

Clinical Trials on Vitamin D Supplementation in Older Individuals – March 2-3, 2009
Following recommendations by the Clinical Trials Advisory Panel, DGCG organized and sponsored an exploratory workshop to review issues on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical and/or functional outcomes in older persons to better inform a decision about the need for and types of clinical trials in the topic area. The workshop was held on March 2-3, 2009 in Bethesda, MD. Participants reviewed the strength of current evidence regarding the effects of vitamin D supplementation on numerous clinical and functional outcomes in the elderly and discussed design features for possible future clinical trials, including target population, effect size and dose/blood level response relationships with outcomes such as physical function and falls. The workshop proceedings were reviewed by the Clinical Trials Advisory Panel at its meeting on May 12 when the Panel made final recommendations to DGCG as to whether to proceed with any initiative on the topic. (For more information, contact Dr. Sergei Romashkan, DGCG, Ph: 301-435-3047.)

NIA-Alzheimer’s Association Meeting on Alzheimer’s Disease Prevalence – March 19-20, 2009
The Division of Neuroscience (DN), in conjunction with Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) and the Alzheimer’s Association, held an advisory workshop on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on March 19-20, 2009, in Washington, DC. The goals of the meeting were: (1) to review the major projects that have produced national prevalence figures and to review other recent research efforts focusing on diagnostic approaches that may shed some light on why national prevalence figures for AD differ; (2) to review data trends on the prevalence of dementia and AD; and (3) to consider the utility of using computer and web-based technology to facilitate case ascertainment in population-based studies of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)/Cognitive Impairment no Dementia(CIND)/AD/dementia. An executive summary of the workshop presentations, discussions, and potential future research directions and challenges will be submitted for publication. A draft of this executive summary will be available for consideration at September Council. (For further information, contact: Dr. Dallas Anderson, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; andersda@nia.nih.gov .)

Integrating the GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) into the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) - April 16-17, 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory meeting, held in Bethesda, MD, had a goal of identifying the best phenotypes for focus and statistical and analytic issues that may arise in conducting a genome-wide scan on the Heath and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants included HRS researchers and scientists in the fields of behavioral and social phenotypes, statistical genetics, and population genetics. (For more information, contact Dr. Erica Spotts, DBSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)

An Advisory Workshop to Develop Consensus Criteria for Defining Normal Aging in Rodent Models - April 20-22, 2009
Recent scientific advances in aging and age-associated diseases serve as key drivers to learn more about aging phenotypes in rodents and humans. The NIA-supported workshop on biosignatures of aging, held in May 2008, identified the need for developing consensus criteria on normal aging phenotypes. It was agreed that better defined aging phenotypes would strengthen many future NIA-supported studies on normal aging and age-associated diseases. The objective of the April 2009 workshop was to develop consensus criteria for normal aging phenotypes that would include physiological, cellular, and molecular aspects of normal aging. They can be applied to studies in rodent models to: 1) develop and validate biomarker/bio-signature panels, 2) test the influence of genetic background, 3) test potential interventions to promote health aging, and 4) study gene-environment interactions.

Invited participants represented various disciplines including geriatrics, immune, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems, and metabolism. Geriatricians considered aspects of human aging and its potential connections to the study of rodent aging biology. Experts who work with invertebrate model organisms were also invited. A future journal article is anticipated. (For more information, contact: Dr. Mahadev Murthy, DAB, 301-496-6402.)

Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Human Applications - April 21-22, 2009
The NIA participated in the organization of an exploratory workshop on Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Human Applications by the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research. The workshop built on previous Blueprint activities to focus on plasticity at the circuit level or “circuit retraining,” which includes alterations in central nervous system (brain and/or spinal cord) structure and function that support enduring changes in behavior. These alterations may involve qualitative and/or quantitative changes at the cellular or synaptic level that alter, restore, adapt, activate, or form novel circuitry to affect function and behavior. To identify research opportunities for promoting circuit retraining to improve functional outcomes, 30 invited participants with expertise in basic and/or clinical research areas, such as neuroimaging, animal models, clinical trials, deep brain and non-invasive brain stimulation, neurofeedback, virtual reality, pharmacology, therapeutic exercise, and learning-based behavioral interventions, worked as a group to develop background papers and presented at the workshop in one of the four relevant aspects of (1) adult trauma and stroke, (2) mental and addictive disorders, (3) neurodegeneration and aging, and (4) pediatric and developmental disorders. A consensus report (or reports) from the workshop will be developed and published to guide future research priorities in neuroplasticity-based therapeutic intervention and assessment strategies, technological advances and tools for promoting and understanding circuit-level changes, resource issues and barriers, and collaborative opportunities. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov.)

II. Future Meetings

Social, Emotional, and Socioeconomic Behaviors in Aging – May 21, 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory meeting will highlight cutting edge research in domains of psychology of aging that rely on interdisciplinary and multilevel approaches to understanding the social, behavioral, psychological, and biological factors that contribute to positive aging outcomes. This meeting, to be held in Berkeley, California, one day prior to the Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science in San Francisco, will explore the potential for advancing integrative psychological research on topics such as self-regulation, social communication and understanding, social stress, well-being, trust, cooperation, and social status. (For more information, contact Dr. Lis Nielsen, BSR, Ph: 301-402-4156.)

The Role of the Cytoskeleton in Cellular Aging – May 22, 2009
The primary goal for this exploratory workshop is to assemble a group of experts in cytoskeletal biology with experts in aging research to identify novel approaches, roadblocks, challenges, and opportunities in determining if and how the cytoskeleton changes with age. It is anticipated that the expert panel will provide NIA with specific recommendations on the best approach to advance the science in this underserved area of research. The workshop will be held in Rockville, MD. (For more information, contact Dr. Jose Velázquez, DAB, 301-496-6402.)

NIH Pain Consortium Symposium: Advances in Pain Research – May 26, 2009
The NIA will co-sponsor and participate in organizing the 4th Annual Symposium on Advances in Pain Research by the NIH Pain Consortium. This year the symposium will feature 10-12 presentations from NIH grantees to highlight cutting-edge research accomplishments in areas of genes and genetic studies to understand risk factors for chronic pain, assess treatment responses and abuse potentials, and develop pain research tools and animal models. These are issues of public health significance. Approximately 20 posters from NIH-funded young investigators will be presented and, at the end of the symposium, there will be an open session for participants to provide feedback on pain research opportunities. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov.)

Workshop: Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Back Pain – May 27, 2009
Chronic pain and its associated morbidity and disability are major health problems around the world. In spite of huge expenditures on care (e.g., annual US expenditures for back pain alone are estimated at $50B to $100B annually), available treatment options and approaches are less than fully satisfactory. Although studies suggest that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies – spinal manipulation, massage, and acupuncture – are the three most utilized interventions for back pain, the evidence base for such interventions is limited. Thus, there is a compelling need for effectiveness research on non-pharmacological interventions for back pain, including CAM interventions, especially as they are administered and utilized in real-world settings and across a broad range of outcome measures meaningful to patients and their health care providers. The NIA is participating in a trans-NIH Steering Committee, led by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), to organize a one-day workshop, in the form of roundtable discussions among a panel of experts, to identify and explore a range of important and timely clinical research questions related to non-pharmacological interventions to treat back pain. The outcome of this workshop will help inform future research directions for the NIH and the biomedical scientific community. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; chenw@nia.nih.gov, and Dr. Basil A. Eldadah, DGCG, Ph: 301-496-6761; eldadahb@nia.nih.gov.)

Workshop on Results from the 2004 National Long-Term Care Survey –May 28-29, 2009
The purpose of this BSR-supported exploratory meeting is to present new research taking advantage of the 2004 (and final) wave of the National Long-term Care Survey (NLTCS) to further our understanding of disability and the aging life course. Scholars have been invited based upon submitted abstracts, and other interested researchers and policymakers have been invited to participate as well. The meeting will be held in Bethesda, Maryland, and has been planned in coordination with the National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging. (For more information, contact Georgeanne Patmios, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)

Electronic Technologies to Address the Study of Independent Living – Spring 2009
This BSR-supported meeting will explore how a technology platform identical or similar to that used by TRIL (Technology Research for Independent Living) and CLARITY (Centre for Sensor Web Technologies) might address a broad range of social, behavioral, and health-related questions. TRIL is a joint program between Irish universities and Intel, aimed at developing technologies to enable elderly persons to live at home. CLARITY is a group of academics and industry partners established as a Science Foundation of Ireland Centre for Science Engineering and Technology. (For more information, contact Georgeanne Patmios or Dr. Jonathan King, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3136.)

Workshop on Changes in Central Regulation of Bone in Aging – June 9, 2009
The primary goal for this exploratory workshop is to assemble a group of experts in neuro and endocrine regulation of bone biology with experts in aging research, to identify novel approaches, roadblocks, challenges and opportunities in further developing the emerging area of aging and neuroendocrine regulation of bone. It is anticipated that the expert panel will provide NIA with specific recommendations on the best approaches to advance the science in this emerging area. The workshop will be held in Bethesda, MD. (For more information, contact Dr. John Williams, DAB, 301-496-6402.)

Conference to Develop Revised Diagnostic Criteria for MCI and Dementia - June 15, 2009
The Division of Neuroscience (DN) will convene an advisory workshop on June 15, 2009 in Bethesda, MD to examine the current state of knowledge on early diagnosis of MCI and dementia and methods to differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from other dementing illnesses. Approximately 20 experts in the field will be invited to participate in a roundtable discussion to examine the evidence and make recommendations as to the timing and organization of an advisory conference on revising the criteria for AD diagnosis. Discussion topics will include clinical methods, neuropsychological testing, and the use of imaging and fluid biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of MCI, AD and other dementias of the aging. (For further information, contact: Dr. Creighton Phelps, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; phelpsc@nia.nih.gov.)

Genetics and Behavioral and Social Interventions – June 23-24, 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory meeting will be convened to discuss use of genetic information to better understand and plan behavioral and social interventions. Background papers commissioned during FY08 will be presented. (For more information, contact Dr. Erica Spotts, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)

Systems Biology Approaches to Understanding Aging - July 27-31, 2009
Launching an integrated, systems approach to understanding the biology of aging and longevity was one of the central recommendations of the Biology of Aging Summit held in September 2008. This proved to be a central theme of many of the individual working groups at the Summit. Dr. Geoffrey West of the Santa Fe Institute and Dr. Michal Jazwinski of Tulane University approached DAB staff (Anna McCormick and Jose Velazquez) about co-sponsoring this exploratory workshop on “Systems Biology Approaches to Understanding Aging.” Drs. West, Jazwinski, McCormick, and Velazquez are the primary scientific organizers of the proposed workshop planned for July 27-31, 2009, in Santa Fe, NM. Mark Collins of the Glenn Foundation and Stephanie Lederman of AFAR were active participants at the Biology of Aging Summit and offered to co-sponsor this workshop.

The major goals are to gather experts in many areas of aging biology and systems biology to discuss research opportunities related to understanding the biology of aging and to explore rational plans to develop a systematic and integrated systems biology approach to understanding aging biology. Several NIA staff members will be invited to participate in this workshop because of wide-spread interest in this scientific discipline and approach to further aging research. (For more information, contact Dr. Anna McCormick, DAB, 301-496-6402.)

Priorities for Social and Behavioral Research on the Elderly in Disasters – July 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory meeting, organized by the National Academies of Science (NAS), under the auspices of the Committee on Population and the Disasters Roundtable, will be convened to review research on the elderly, both in community and institutionalized, in natural and man-made disasters, to discuss priorities for behavioral and social science research. Relevant Program Announcements issued in 2006 will expire in 2009. This meeting will include researchers and staff from funding and planning agencies to take stock of relevant research (both NIH-funded and other) and discuss priorities for research and translation in the future. (For more information, contact Dr. John Haaga, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3131.)

Alternative Animal Models for Aging Research - July/August, 2009
Over the years, the aging research community has extensively leveraged many invertebrate, yeast and vertebrate models (rodents, birds, non-human primates, etc.) for studies in aging and age-associated diseases. Despite the extensive use of these models for aging research, there are still significant scientific gaps, which can be addressed with the use of alternative and often underutilized animal models in aging research. Within this context, aquatic species (zebra fish, freshwater turtle, annual fish, Japanese medaka, etc.) have received very limited attention from the aging research community and grant support from NIA. These models may prove to be valuable for studies involving physiology, genetics, anatomy and pathology.

In addition, short-lived common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) appear to be useful primate models for aging studies relative to other primate models currently in use. They are small (350-400 grams) South American primates and capable of producing twins or triplets every 5.5 months. However, the marmoset model needs further development for defined phenotypes such as physical, metabolic, physiological, immunological, cognitive and psychosocial functions. Furthermore, genomic tools may have to be further developed for exploiting this model in aging research. The overall objective of this NIA-supported exploratory workshop is to assemble experts who work with these models and have them evaluate their usefulness for aging research. (For more information, contact Dr. Mahadev Murthy, DAB, 301-496-6402.)

TBI and the Risk of Dementia - August 2009
Head trauma, a frequent occurrence in the United States and other industrialized nations, is the leading cause of brain injury. Centers for Disease Control estimates suggest that at least 1.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) per year in the United States, and the costs of TBI in the US are estimated to be $48 billion dollars annually. The societal burden caused by TBI may actually be much greater, as there is growing evidence that TBI is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. However, the exact nature of the relationship between head trauma and AD is still unclear and needs further study. The Division of Neuroscience (DN) is organizing a multidisciplinary exploratory workshop, in August 2009 in Bethesda, MD, bringing together expert clinicians, epidemiologists, geneticists and basic research scientists from the TBI and AD fields, as well as from other relevant fields, who will critically appraise the current state of knowledge on TBI and risk of AD and outline possibilities for further research. (For further information, contact: Dr. Laurie Ryan, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350; ryanl@mail.nih.gov.)

Work, Health and Retirement: Developing a Whitehall in Washington – August 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory meeting will bring together experts from the research community and the federal government to discuss research opportunities on federal workforce retirement and health. A planning teleconference will be held in May to develop the agenda for the meeting. (For more information, contact Dr. John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)

Models Systems to Study the Epigenetics of Aging and Longevity – September 2009
Understanding the role of epigenetics in tissue-specific aging and organismal longevity was identified as one of the top research priorities for DAB at the Biology of Aging Summit held in September 2008. This year NIA joined the RoadMap “Epigenetics of Health and Human Disease” RFA and several investigators have sent letters of intent regarding aging-related projects, which is very encouraging. One limitation of this RoadMap RFA is the almost exclusive focus on studying epigenetics in humans and human cell models.

With respect to understanding the role of epigenetics in aging and longevity, Summit participants highlighted the opportunity and added value to be gained from parallel studies in well-studied models systems including Drosophila, C. elegans and mice. The major goal of the planned workshop on “Model Systems to Explore the Epigenetics of Aging” is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these three model systems and to try to develop a coordinated and cooperative approach to studying this evolving field of research on aging. Several experts in epigenetics, genetics, biology and physiology will be invited to the planned three-day discussion-focused workshop to develop a plan for studying the epigenetics of aging and longevity. Several NIA staff will also be invited to attend due to broad NIA-based interest in epigenetics. This exploratory workshop is planned for September, 2009. (For more information, contact Dr. Anna McCormick, DAB, 301-496-6402.)

Financial Innovation and Retirement Security: From Ideas to Implementations – Sept 2009
This BSR-supported exploratory workshop will address the challenge of how to design financial products to enhance the financial security of older Americans. The nature of the risks that are faced in later life remains poorly understood. The meeting will focus on three topics: (1) Managing Longevity Risk, (2) Managing Health Costs and other Expenditure Risks, and (3) Framing and Decision-Making. (For more information, contact Dr. John Phillips, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)

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GENERAL INFORMATION (Meetings and Exhibits, Staff Awards, Publications, News Releases, NIA Web Activities)

Meetings and Exhibits

NIH Pain Consortium Symposium: Advances in Pain Research – May 26, 2009
The NIA co-sponsored and participated in the organization of the 4th Annual Symposium on Advances in Pain Research by the NIH Pain Consortium in Bethesda, MD. This year the symposium featured twelve presentations from NIH grantees that highlighted cutting-edge research accomplishments in areas of genes and genetic studies to understand risk factors for chronic pain, assess treatment responses and abuse potentials, and develop pain research tools and animal models. Dr. Roger Fillingim from the University of Florida presented his work on genetic contributions to ethnic differences in chronic pain, which is currently funded by NIA. In addition, seventeen posters from NIH-funded new investigators were presented, and at the end of the symposium there was an open session for participants to provide feedback on pain research opportunities. (For more information, contact Dr. Wen G. Chen, DN, Ph: 301-496-9350, chenw@nia.nih.gov.)

Workshop on Results from the 2004 National Long-Term Care Survey – May 28-29, 2009
The purpose of this NIA/BSR-supported exploratory meeting held in Bethesda, MD, was to present new research taking advantage of the 2004 (and final) wave of the National Long-term Care Survey (NLTCS) to further our understanding of disability and the aging life course. Scholars were invited based upon submitted abstracts, and other interested researchers and policymakers were invited to participate as well. (For more information, contact Ms. Georgeanne Patmios, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3138.)

The Science of Behavior Change Roadmap Development meeting - June 15-16, 2009
This meeting featured more than 60 invited experts and an equal number of NIH extramural staff from seventeen participating ICs. The meeting charge was to identify areas within the science of behavior change that were especially important or ripe for further development by NIH, either through the Roadmap process or some other trans-NIH effort. The meeting report was expected to be released in late summer. Dr. Richard Suzman, Director of NIA’s Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) is the co-chair of this effort with Dr. Patricia Grady, the Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). Dr. Jonathan King, of NIA/BSR, is the coordinator of this ongoing Roadmap effort. (For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan King, BSR, Ph: 301-594-5942.)

NIA staffed, exhibited, and/or disseminated materials at the following meetings and conferences:

• American College of Sports Medicine meeting, Seattle, WA
• Assisted Living Federation of America conference, Philadelphia, PA
• “AWARE for All” Clinical Research Education Day sponsored by the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), Baltimore, MD
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Conference, Minneapolis, MN
• Special Libraries Association (SLA) Conference, Washington, DC
• Miami Senior Adult Educational Center health fair, Miami, FL
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) exhibit booth at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Clinical Meeting, Chicago, IL
• NIAMS exhibit booth at the National Association of Hispanic Nurses meeting, San Antonio, TX
• Women’s Health Week exhibit, NIH, Bethesda, MD

NIA coordinated a meeting with the Geronotological Society of America (July 23).

(For more information about NIA’s exhibits, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, Communications Director, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752. For more information about meetings with professional organizations or associations, contact Dr. Tamara Jones, Legislative Officer, Ph: 301-451-8835.)

Awards

• The 2009 NIH Director's Award:
  • Dr. Jack Guralnik, Chief, Laboratory of Epidemiology, Demography and Biometry, was awarded in recognition of his mentoring efforts over the past 25 years. Dr. Guralnik is a leader and scientist in the field of epidemiology of aging and has mentored staff and scientists and worked closely with key stakeholders to develop an effective program internally with strong external relationships, keeping in line with the NIH mission and the advancement of science. He has mentored postdoctoral students, visiting scientists, graduate students as well as senior staff. In many cases, his mentees are now his collaborators. Whether through his teaching techniques, the stimulation of creative and reflective thinking, guidance on writing scientific papers, encouragement in the establishment of an early publication career, advice on the focus and structure of research hypotheses, instruction on performing correct data analysis, interpretation of research results, encouragement in life-long learning, teambuilding, providing advice on coursework, best practices for the presentation of data at meetings and conferences, he always impressed upon all of his mentees that they should produce excellent science, do it with passion, and share their successes with their collaborators. A major aspect of his mentoring is to assist and encourage mentees and other colleagues to stretch in making more ambitious goals and in helping to find resources, both personal and institutional to meet these goals. His dedication and attention to his mentees, his scientific rigor, his desire to “connect” people in an effort to facilitate collaboration, and his desire to continue mentoring beyond the boundaries of the laboratory have stimulated the academic field of aging. As a result of Dr. Guralnik’s mentoring, young scientists who have been mentored by him have achieved prestigious leadership academic careers both in the U.S. and abroad, are internationally recognized leaders in the field of gerontological research, and have developed new landmark research studies, such as the InChianti, Health ABC, LIFE, and many other studies. Through his tireless mentoring efforts, Dr. Guralnik has launched the careers of a full generation of gerontologists worldwide and thereby has had a tremendous impact on the direction and progress of an entire field of study. This represents a legacy that will continue to impact the progress of scientific knowledge and research in the area of aging for many years to come.
  • Dr. Myriam Gorospe, Senior Investigator/Section Chief, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LCMB), was awarded in recognition of her many accomplishments in understanding the mechanisms by which RNA binding proteins and micro RNAs regulate gene expression in response to stress. Dr. Gorospe heads the RNA Regulation Section within the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology with the goal of studying post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene regulation. Her primary focus has been the study of RNA binding proteins that regulate messenger RNA stability and the efficacy of conversion to protein products, particularly in response to stress stimuli that are the crux of cellular aging. Dr. Gorospe has made several important contributions in this arena with the most recent being (1) elucidating signature binding motifs of different RNA binding proteins, (2) investigating how RNA binding proteins regulate one another, and (3) investigating how more than one RNA binding protein targets specific RNAs. With these observations, she gained widespread recognition in the RNA field, and highlighted the substantive advances being made by intramural researchers. She has also shown remarkable facility in adding newer technologies, such as confocal microscopy, to broaden the scope of her studies in this area. Additionally, Dr. Gorospe has made a timely and very important transition to studying micro RNAs. These are small non-coding RNA molecules that were recently discovered and have attracted the attention of leaders in the RNA field. By moving quickly into this area, Dr. Gorospe has demonstrated foresight and drive, and placed herself in this select group of investigators. As a member of this elite group, Dr. Gorospe exemplifies the cutting edge research being carried out in the NIA/IRP and positively impacts the Institute’s visibility and reputation. Her studies resulted in more than twenty publications in 2008 in outstanding journals such as Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), Molecular and Cellular Biology, Cell Cycle and Genes and Development, and a superlative review from the Board of Scientific Counselors of the NIA.
  • Ms. Melissa Fraczkowski, Management Analysis Officer, Office of the Director, Office of Administrative Management, was awarded in recognition of her exceptional leadership in not only establishing the new Workforce and Strategic Planning Branch (WSPB) under the Office of Administrative Management (OAM), but in the proactive and positive manner in which she has quickly handled a number of significant initiatives impacting the NIA as well as the NIH. Her responsibilities cover a wide range of institute-wide programs including performance management, telework, emergency preparedness, risk, awards and recognition, equal employment opportunity and outreach, A-76, and training. In her efforts to manage these programs, Ms. Fraczkowski has been exemplary in her ability to implement programs in a way that minimizes the administrative burden on staff while embracing and emphasizing the importance, key features, and necessity of the work she carries out. Several noted accomplishments in these areas include: (1) implementation of administrative competencies for all positions in the OAM through the development of an assessment tool, training of OAM staff, and the development of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) (NIA was recognized by NIH for being the first and only IC to accomplish implementation of competencies for all occupations); (2) implementation of a risk management program in which she worked with program officials on assessing risk for over 300 identified areas, instituted personally ensured risk training for all NIA employees, and worked with NIH risk management staff to pilot their larger program (NIA implemented this program at a pace well ahead of NIH deadlines); (3) development of a quarterly tracking process that ensures targeted metrics in performance plans are being met, saves program staff significant time in preparing close-out plans, and includes individual templates of cascading language for all employees for the establishment of new plans; and (4) the design of a streamlined IC-wide mandatory once-a month training program ensuring that all NIA staff meet the required NIH deadlines for specific training resulting in NIA having an outstanding completion record. She is masterful in getting program buy-in and involvement and is frequently a leader at NIH in piloting and pushing ahead when implementing major initiatives.
  • Dr. Robin Barr, Director, Division of Extramural Activities, was awarded as part of a group nomination submitted by the Office of the Director, in recognition of exceptional contributions toward the conception, development, and implementation of NIH policy which encourages biomedical scientists and their institutions to accelerate postdoctoral training completion and early application for independent research support. The group developed policy on Early Stage Investigators, developed web pages providing guidance to Early Stage Investigators, and worked closely with the Electronic Research Administration (ERA) to implement design changes in the Commons to allow electronic and Commons identification of Early Stage investigators based on the information that these investigators supply. The policy and design changes were completed on time within an exacting timeframe and allowed NIH to improve its policies towards new investigators rapidly. These investigators are a most important and vulnerable community of scientists.
  • Dr. Marilyn Miller, Health Scientist Administrator, Division of Neuroscience, was awarded as part of a group nomination submitted by the Office of the Director, in recognition of exceptional contributions in implementing the goals of the Enhancing Peer Review Initiative. NIH leadership called Subgroups together as early as July 2008 and all members were asked to contribute a significant amount of time and effort at a very rapid pace. The goals of the Subgroups encompassed all aspects of the peer review system and included many of the major visible enhancements of the peer review system. These groups were responsible for enhancing the review criteria, developing and aligning the new shorter application with the enhanced review criteria, developing and piloting the new 9-point scoring system for peer review, and developing templates for Summary Statements to provide feedback to applicants. They also developed an extensive set of surveys and analyses for the collection of baseline data that will be used for analysis of the NIH Peer Review system. Other accomplishments included establishing a permanent process for continuous balanced and fair review systems across scientific fields and career stages and implementing major goals under the heading of "Engaging the Best Reviewers,” including the identification of new options and incentives to increase the ability of busy experts to serve as peer reviewers as well as defining new opportunities to acknowledge reviewer service. It is because of the interest and enthusiasm as well as exceptional knowledge base and dedication to the peer review process of these NIH staff members who comprised the Subgroups that NIH was successful in accomplishing the goals of enhancing peer review.
  • Dr. Michele Evans, Deputy Scientific Director, Office of the Scientific Director, and Dr. J. Taylor Harden, Assistant to the Director for Special Populations, Office of the Director, were awarded as part of a group nomination submitted by the National Center for Minorities and Health Disparities, in recognition of exceptional contributions made in planning and coordinating the first trans-NIH scientific event on health disparities, the “NIH Summit: The Science of Eliminating Health Disparities,” which was held December 16-18, 2008. The success of the summit could not have been attained without the commitment and diligence of a dedicated team of NIH employees from the Institutes and Centers, and NIH OD Offices. Dr. Evans and Dr. Harden were part of a trans-NIH committee which consisted of several sub-committees who handled the planning and execution of a well organized and comprehensive summit. Contributions included coordinating sessions with grantees and other committee members, organizing logistics, and attending regular planning meetings. The summit showcased the multi-faceted strategies of the NIH Institutes and Centers and their many partners within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal government, foundations, academic institutions, health care organizations, community organizations, and international groups involved in tackling the multiplicity of diseases, health conditions, and issues associated with health disparities. The summit attracted more than 4,400 participants including scientists, policy leaders, physicians, community leaders, health care practitioners, media professionals, and students. A pre-summit workshop on the NIH grants process drew approximately 1200 attendees and introduced this potentially new cohort of applicants to the NIH grants process. The summit was organized around five tracks, with approximately 300 speakers from around the world, 100 break-out sessions, 89 abstracts for oral presentations, 328 poster sessions, and 70 exhibits. The summit highlighted the breadth of NIH research on health disparities in a manner that has never been done: it underscored the complexity of health disparities; introduced the audience to a new paradigm for health disparities that integrates science, practice, and policy as being fundamental in understanding and seeking solutions to eliminate health disparities; and increased awareness about the diversity of approaches that have been undertaken by different disciplines with regard to health disparities. An entire morning of the summit was broadcast by C-Span which helped to heighten national interest in health disparities as evidenced by the subsequent volume of inquiries, calls, and correspondence pertaining to health disparities funding and partnership opportunities.

• Emmy Nomination: The Alzheimer’s Project: Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? (Outstanding Children's Nonfiction Program)
• Emmy Nomination: The Alzheimer’s Project: Momentum in Science (Part I & II) (Outstanding Nonfiction Special)
• Emmy Nomination: The Alzheimer’s Project: The Memory Loss Tapes (Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking)
• The Alzheimer’s Project won the Television Critics Association 2009 award for Outstanding Achievement in News & Information.
• Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging: 2009 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence – Grand Award (Electronic & Video Publications)
• National Institutes of Health Plain Language awards:
  1. Gold: End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care; Senior-Friendly Public Service Announcement for NIHSeniorHealth.com
  2. Silver: Helping Older People Find Health Information Just Got Easier; La Ronde Public Service Announcement for NIHSeniorHealth.com; Menopause: Time for a Change; Toolkit for Trainers
  3. Bronze: NIHSeniorHealth Wisdom for the Ages Bookmark

(For more information about NIA’s awards, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, Communications Director, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752.)

• Collaboration with HBO on Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care
  HBO Documentary Films and the NIA/NIH co-presented, in association with the Alzheimer’s Association, the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, and the Geoffrey Beene Gives Back Alzheimer’s Initiative, The Alzheimer’s Project, which debuted on May 10-12, 2009. The Alzheimer’s Project included the four core documentary films, 15 supplemental films, a robust Web site, and extensive information and outreach about research and care. Since the debut, the programs and materials continue to be widely viewed and accessed. Beyond being initially offered for free to millions of viewers on various platforms provided by participating television service providers, the videos continue to stream for free at www.HBO.com/alzheimers, YouTube, Facebook, and iTunes. During the first month, the films were viewed an estimated 760,000 times in those digital formats. Additionally, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers will be adding the HBO segments to relevant sections of the VA website where they can be accessed by VA staff, veterans and their caregivers. Communities and organizations also are participating widely in The Alzheimer’s Project; nearly 6,000 free “screening kits” containing the four films and discussion guides were sent to organizations in all 50 states to assist in hosting community screening events that drew an estimated 165,000 people. NIA Web site traffic increased, as the HBO website also directed visitors to the Institute’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, as well as resources from the Alzheimer’s Association and other helpful sites.
  (For more information about NIA’s collaboration with HBO, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, Communications Director, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752)

NIA Publications

A new Census Bureau Report, An Aging World: 2008, commissioned by NIA/BSR and published July 21, 2009, examines nine international population trends identified in 2007 by the NIA and the US Department of State. An Aging World: 2008 contains detailed information on life expectancy, health, disability, gender balance, marital status, living arrangements, education and literacy, labor force participation and retirement, and pensions among older people around the world. The number of people worldwide age 65 and older is estimated at 506 million as of midyear 2008; by 2040, that number will hit 1.3 billion. Thus, in just over 30 years, the proportion of older people will double from 7 percent to 14 percent of the total world population. This new report examines the demographic and socioeconomic trends accompanying this unprecedented rate of increase in the average age of the world’s population. (See NIA news release at: http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/20090720global.htm.) (For more information, contact Dr. Richard Suzman, BSR, Ph: 301-496-3131.)

The following new NIA publications were completed:

• Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging
• Clinical Trials and Older People Tip Sheet
• Connections (Volume 16, Number 1) – e-zine
• Connections promotional postcard
• Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mystery of Alzheimer’s Disease – animation video
• Participating in Activities You Enjoy Tip Sheet
• Spotlight on Aging Research (Volume 2, Number 2) – e-zine
• Taste and Smell (AgePage)
• Links, spring issue

The following publications were updated and/or reprinted:

• A Good Night’s Sleep (AgePage)
• ADEAR Center Publications List
• Aging and Your Eyes(AgePage)
• Alcohol Use (AgePage)
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Unraveling the Mystery (HBO edition)
• Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?
• Choosing a Doctor (AgePage)
• Exercise and Physical Activity (AgePage)
• Falls and Fractures (AgePage)
• Flu—Get the Shot (AgePage)
• HIV, AIDS, and Older People (AgePage)
• Información sobre el cancer (Cancer Facts AgePage)

• Medicines: Use Them Safely (AgePage)
• NIHSeniorHealth.gov “At Last” bookmark

(For more information about NIA’s publications, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, Communications Director, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752.)

News Releases

The following news releases were distributed to audiences in print and on the internet:

• Migraines with Aura in Middle Age Associated with Late-Life Brain Lesions (6/23/09) http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20090623migraines.htm
  Scher, Ann I., et al., Migraine Headache in Middle Age and Late-Life Brain Infarcts. Journal of the American Medical Association, June 24, 2009—Vol. 301, No. 24, 2563–2570.
• Medicare Information for Caregivers Now Available on NIHSeniorHealth (5/13/09)
• http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20090513medicare.htm
• Unprecedented Global Aging Examined in New Census Bureau Report Commissioned by the National Institute on Aging (7/20/09) http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/20090720global.htm

(For more information about NIA’s press activities, contact Ms. Vicky Cahan, Communications Director, OCPL, Ph: 301-496-1752.)

NIA Web Activities

E-mail Alert Launched

• News & Notes from the ADEAR Center, highlighting additions to the Alzheimer’s Disease Library (AD Lib) was launched as a monthly update sent to Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADC) education and administrative core staff.

NIHSeniorHealth

• Medicare Basics for Caregivers, topic added
• Alzheimer’s disease, topic updated

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New Notices and Initiatives Relevant to National Institute on Aging (NIA) for the October 2009 Council Meeting

Excerpts from the NIH GUIDE - April 13, 2009 – August 21, 2009
Includes Notices and Initiatives: Requests for Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs), published since the May 2009 Council presentation of the Director’s Status Report (DSR) to the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA).

Also check our NIA website for “Funding Opportunities” at http://www.nia.nih.gov/GrantsAndTraining/FundingOpportunities/CurrentFundingOpportunities.htm

(Shown here are selected Notices and Initiatives relevant to NIA/National Institutes of Health/DHHS).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. NIA & NIH INITIATIVES - Not Roadmap-related (Sections A-I)
   1. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – RFAs (NIA's)
   2. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – RFAs (NIH's)
   3. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – RFAs (Other ICs')
   4. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – PAs/PARs/PASs (NIA's)
   5. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – PAs/PARs/PASs (NIH's)
   6. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – PAs/PARs/PASs (Other IC's)
   7. NOTICES ISSUED BY NIA
   8. NOTICES ISSUED BY NIH
   9. NOTICES ISSUED BY OTHER ICs – Notices issued by Other ICs with NIA involvement.
2. NIH NOTICES & INITIATIVES - Roadmap-related (Sections J-L)
   10. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES –RFAs (NIH's)–Roadmap-related
   11. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES – PAs/PARs/PASs (NIH's)-Roadmap-related
   12. NOTICES ISSUED BY NIH - Roadmap-related

NIA & NIH INITIATIVES - Not Roadmap-related (Sections A-I)

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