Alzheimer's Association's funding portfolio: Insights from the International Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research Portfolio (IADRP)

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONAlzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) present significant health challenges. Understanding their underlying biology, advancing existing and new therapies, and enhancing care for patients and caregivers are critical priorities.METHODSThis article utilizes data from the International Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research Portfolio (IADRP) to analyze funding patterns from the Alzheimer's Association over the past decade.RESULTSAs the largest nonprofit funder of AD/ADRD research globally, the Alzheimer's Association has committed over $430 million, supporting a diverse range of studies across the entire spectrum of dementia‐related science. The funding landscape has evolved, reflecting new areas of investigation and collaboration with broader research initiatives.DISCUSSIONThis article highlights the dynamic nature of the Association's funding strategies and ongoing efforts to connect funding with additional supportive resources, thereby enhancing the overall research ecosystemHighlights As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's disease and dementia science, the Alzheimer's Association's funding activities are strategically designed in partnership with the global research community to address scientific gaps in our knowledge to advance research. A large part of the Association's funding portfolio depends on key partnerships and collaborations. From 2019 to 2023, the Alzheimer's Association has allocated funding for more than 850 new research studies. The diversity of areas funded is clear across the Association's portfolio. Beyond the Association's strong emphasis on supporting research through grant funding, there are also efforts to ensure the necessary ecosystem to support the career development of researchers and clinicians, maintaining ongoing support for current and future awardees, including convening and the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART).