Interpersonal Processes in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Clinical Interactions and Care Partnerships (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA AG 20 006

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Interpersonal Processes in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias" funding opportunity?

This opportunity (RFA-AG-20-006) is an NIH R01 research grant focused on improving what is known about communication and relationship dynamics in the context of Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). The goal is to support research that can lead to practical, evidence-based strategies to improve clinical interactions and caregiving partnerships.

What is the main purpose of this grant?

The grant aims to advance research on how day-to-day interactions among people living with dementia, their caregivers (family or others), and health care practitioners influence care quality, treatment adherence, stress, safety, and overall well-being. Funded work is expected to strengthen the evidence base in ways that can realistically translate into better care practices and interventions.

What kinds of outcomes does this opportunity aim to improve?

Based on the description provided, this initiative is concerned with outcomes such as care quality, adherence to treatment plans, stress levels, safety, well-being, relationship functioning, caregiver resilience, and mental and physical health outcomes for both the person with dementia and the caregiver.

What does "intervention-relevant science" mean in this announcement?

"Intervention-relevant science" means the research should be positioned to inform or directly build approaches that can be used in real clinical and caregiving environments. The emphasis is on generating knowledge that can be converted into practical strategies, tools, programs, training, protocols, or interventions.

Are clinical trials required under this R01?

No. Clinical trials are optional for this R01 (Clinical Trial Optional). Applicants may propose studies with or without clinical trials, depending on what fits the project aims and the readiness of the underlying science.

What types of studies are encouraged (basic vs. translational research)?

The opportunity invites both basic research (to better understand mechanisms and interpersonal processes) and translational research (to convert those insights into tools, programs, or practices). Proposed work can range from foundational observational or mechanistic studies to pilot testing, refinement, and evaluation of intervention components.

What are the two high-priority research areas highlighted in the announcement?

The two highlighted priority areas are: (1) effective communication and relationship functioning among patients, health care practitioners, and caregivers; and (2) links between close relationship processes and health outcomes within caregiving relationships.

What topics fit under the priority area focused on communication and relationship functioning in clinical care?

Relevant topics include improving communication during clinical encounters, care planning conversations, delivery of diagnoses and prognoses, medication management discussions, behavioral symptom management, transitions between care settings, and shared decision-making as cognitive abilities change. The aim is to reduce misunderstandings, improve alignment on care goals, support dignity and person-centered care, and appropriately integrate caregivers into clinical processes.

What topics fit under the priority area focused on relationship processes and health outcomes in caregiving relationships?

This area includes studying how relationship qualities and interpersonal dynamics (such as support, conflict, empathy, reciprocity, emotional contagion, burden sharing, trust, and coping patterns) relate to mental and physical health for both the person with dementia and the caregiver. It also includes identifying protective factors that support resilience and well-being, as well as risk factors linked to burnout, depression, poor health behaviors, or breakdowns in care.

Who are the key groups involved in the interpersonal processes emphasized by this opportunity?

The opportunity centers on interactions among people living with dementia, family or other caregivers, and health care practitioners, particularly as communication needs and decision-making change over the course of the disease.

Across what settings or stages of care is the research expected to be relevant?

The description emphasizes applicability across settings and stages of care, including situations such as clinical encounters, care transitions between settings, and evolving decision-making as cognitive abilities change over time.

What kinds of practical deliverables or real-world applications are implied by the announcement?

The announcement indicates expectations that findings could translate into better training for clinicians, stronger support structures for caregivers, improved communication tools or protocols, and interventions that preserve relationship quality and functioning across the dementia care continuum.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

This is an NIH R01 research grant. The opportunity is described as discretionary and in the health area.

What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 93.866.

What is the opportunity number and title?

The opportunity is titled "The Interpersonal Processes in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Clinical Interactions and Care Partnerships (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is identified as RFA-AG-20-006.

What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date provided is 2019-10-23.

Is there an award ceiling mentioned?

Yes. The source information notes an award ceiling of $500,000.

Which types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes 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 other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses.

Are community-based or faith-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The announcement explicitly notes faith-based or community-based organizations among additional eligible applicants.

Are minority-serving institutions specifically included as eligible applicants?

Yes. The eligible applicant list explicitly mentions Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Are U.S. territories or non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility list includes U.S. territories or possessions and also includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).

Why does the announcement emphasize diverse research settings and culturally informed approaches?

The description links broad eligibility to an emphasis on diverse research settings, community engagement, and culturally informed approaches to caregiving and clinical communication in AD/ADRD.