- Email: [email protected]
News from the national institute on aging and national institute of mental health
Neurobiology of Aging, Vol. 7, pp. 409--410,1986.©AnkhoInternational Inc. Printed in the U.S.A.
0197-4580/86$3.00 + .00
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON A G I N G A N D NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH 1986 TO BEGIN "DECADE OF THE BRAIN"
On June 4, 1985, Representative Silvio Conte (RMassachusetts) introduced a joint resolution "that the decade beginning January l, 1986, hereby is designated the 'Decade of the Brain,' and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all public officials and the people of the United States to observe such decade with appropriate programs and activities." House Joint Resolution 301 is intended to "focus needed government attention" on neurological disorders and research. It is estimated that 50 million Americans are affected each year by disorders and disabilities that involve the brain. It is further estimated that treatment, rehabilitation and research costs of disorders and disabilities that affect the brain represents an economic cost of hundreds of billions of dollars annually. These and other revealing statistics encouraged passing of the resolution. The study of the br~n_in~volves the multidisciplinary efforts--of~e~e~from such diverse areas as physiology, biochemistry, psychology, medicine, genetics and many other disciplines working together toward the common goal of better understanding the structure of the brain. The Decade of the Brain will focus needed governmental attention on research, treatment and rehabilitation in this area. REPORT FOCUSESON FINANCIALRISKSFACINGAMERICA'S ELDERLY
Two studies of elderly health care costs sponsored by the House Select Committee on Aging clearly show the financial dilemma faced by the elderly. Older Americans will spend an estimated $1,660 each in 1985 for health and long-term care--over 15 percent of their income. By 1990, the situation is predicted to be much worse with elderly out-of-pocket spending growing to $2,583--a whopping 18.9 percent of their income. According to California Congressman Edward Roybal, Chairman of the Committee, "these studies document, for the first time, that the financial risk of long-term care reaches further into middle income levels than many care to think." The two surveys, conducted in Massachusetts, also showed that the financial risk of caring for an Alzheimer's victim at home is staggering. Survey data reveal that one in six married couples (16 percent) aged 66 and older risk impoverishment after 13 weeks of home care, and nearly half (46 percent) face impoverishment after one year. The analysis of financial risk among the elderly in Massachusetts illustrates what is happening to the elderly across the nation.
Chairman Roybal concludes in the Committee Report, "America's Elderly at Risk," that the excessive financial risks facing the elderly require urgent attention by Congress. "First, Congress should take steps to ensure that elderly out-of-pocket health care costs rise no faster than the elderly's ability to pay. Second, Congress must immediately take on the critical challenge of developing a long-term policy to protect all Americans from impoverishment in the face of chronic and disabling illnesses." GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
NIA/Cell Proliferation in Senescence. The National Institute on Aging is encouraging further research and training activities using modem tools of molecular biology and genetics to elucidate the molecular bases of cellular aging processes and the control of DNA replication and cell proliferation, with particular emphasis on processes related in a causal way to senescence in mammals. The primary grant mechanisms will be the research grant, program project grant, and postdoctoral fellowship. Contact: Huber Warner, Chief, Molecular and Cellular Biology Branch, NIA, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 31, Rm. 5019, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 496-6402. Special Emphasis Research Career Award: Nutritional & Metabolic Factors in Aging. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) solicits applications for Special Emphasis Research Career Awards (SERCA) for training and research support of scientists seeking careers in nutritional and metabolic factors in aging. Numerous needs for research on nutritional and metabolic factors in aging have been identified. These include epidemiologic, clinical, and physiologic research involving humans and animals. They may be grouped in two general areas: 1. Effects of chronic dietary restriction on lifespan in nonrodent species, particularly primates; mechanisms of extension of lifespan by dietary restriction in established rodent models; long-term effects of caloric intake, obesity, and intake of specific macro- and micro-nutrients on longevity and maintenance of health in late life, on the progression of agerelated physiologic and pathophysiologic changes. The effects of excess consumption of nutrients, as well as inadequate intake, are of interest; and the contribution of metabolic by-products such as free radicals of glycosylated proteins to age-related pathology, through their effects on cellular or tissue constituents and functions. 2. Effects of age-related changes on nutritional require-
410 ments and on pathophysiologic processes related to excessive consumption of specified nutrients. Examples include: effects of age-related changes in nutrient digestion, metabolism, and body composition on nutrient requirements and susceptibility to specific diseases, e.g., effects of age-related change in cholesterol metabolism on atherogenesis; contributions of deficits or excesses of specific nutrients in old age to diseases or dysfunctions; and effects of physiologic changes with age on nutritional requirements and intermediary metabolism. This SERCA is intended to foster the career development of researchers with interests in these and related topics by encouraging qualified individuals to acquire in-depth experience and skills in the basic and clinical scientific disciplines that bear upon this area. The non-renewable award will provide support of up to $40,000 per year for five years. The grantee institution must be a domestic university, medical school or comparable institution with strong, wellestablished research and training programs in the chosen area. Inquiries and correspondence should be directed to: Nutrition Program, National Institute on Aging, Bldg. 31, Room 5C-21, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 4961033. N I N C D S Seeks Research Proposals on AIDS-Related Neurological Disorders. The National Institute of Neurolog-
ical and Communicative Disorders and Stroke invites investigators to submit proposals for research on neurological disorders associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Studies are sought that would clarify the clinical features, course, and pathology of AIDS-associated dementia, movement disorders (spastic paraplegia and ataxia), and peripheral nerve disease. Proposals may address either clinical or basic science issues, such as: AIDS dementia in
NIH NEWS adults and children, nervous tissue response to the AIDS retrovirus, development of more sensitive probes for detecting the AIDS virus in the nervous system, development of new animal models for studying neurological effects of the AIDS virus, epidemiology of AIDS-related neurological disorders, and criteria and tools for early diagnosis of neurological complications of AIDS. Proposals that explore AIDS dementia and encephalomyelopathy in infants and children are particularly encouraged. Also of interest is dysmorphic syndrome in children with AIDS. Details of this announcement were published in the June 27, 1986, issue of the N1H Guide to Grants and Contracts. Deadlines for the receipt of applications are October 1, February 1, and June 1. For further information, contact Dr. A. P. Kerza-Kwiatecki, Demyelinating, Atrophic, and Dementing Disorder Program, NINCDS, Room 702, Federal Building, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 496-1431. ADAMHA/Researeh Grants. The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration has announced a goal to increase the proportion of its research grants which are awarded for four to five years and is encouraging more investigators to apply for the longer term research projects. Awards have typically been for three years in the past. ADAMHA will be looking for an established track record of productivity and scientific contribution, sufficient institutional resources to foster the proposed line of research for the full period, and proposed research of a nature to be productive for the full period. ADAMHA also welcomes the submission of applications for research projects whose design requires four to five years, where such design is appropriate to the nature of the research. Contact: Office of Science, ADAMHA, Rm. 13-103, Parklawn Bldg., 5600 Fishers Ln., Rockville, MD 20857, telephone (301) 443-4266.
0197-4580/86$3.00 + .00
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON A G I N G A N D NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH 1986 TO BEGIN "DECADE OF THE BRAIN"
On June 4, 1985, Representative Silvio Conte (RMassachusetts) introduced a joint resolution "that the decade beginning January l, 1986, hereby is designated the 'Decade of the Brain,' and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all public officials and the people of the United States to observe such decade with appropriate programs and activities." House Joint Resolution 301 is intended to "focus needed government attention" on neurological disorders and research. It is estimated that 50 million Americans are affected each year by disorders and disabilities that involve the brain. It is further estimated that treatment, rehabilitation and research costs of disorders and disabilities that affect the brain represents an economic cost of hundreds of billions of dollars annually. These and other revealing statistics encouraged passing of the resolution. The study of the br~n_in~volves the multidisciplinary efforts--of~e~e~from such diverse areas as physiology, biochemistry, psychology, medicine, genetics and many other disciplines working together toward the common goal of better understanding the structure of the brain. The Decade of the Brain will focus needed governmental attention on research, treatment and rehabilitation in this area. REPORT FOCUSESON FINANCIALRISKSFACINGAMERICA'S ELDERLY
Two studies of elderly health care costs sponsored by the House Select Committee on Aging clearly show the financial dilemma faced by the elderly. Older Americans will spend an estimated $1,660 each in 1985 for health and long-term care--over 15 percent of their income. By 1990, the situation is predicted to be much worse with elderly out-of-pocket spending growing to $2,583--a whopping 18.9 percent of their income. According to California Congressman Edward Roybal, Chairman of the Committee, "these studies document, for the first time, that the financial risk of long-term care reaches further into middle income levels than many care to think." The two surveys, conducted in Massachusetts, also showed that the financial risk of caring for an Alzheimer's victim at home is staggering. Survey data reveal that one in six married couples (16 percent) aged 66 and older risk impoverishment after 13 weeks of home care, and nearly half (46 percent) face impoverishment after one year. The analysis of financial risk among the elderly in Massachusetts illustrates what is happening to the elderly across the nation.
Chairman Roybal concludes in the Committee Report, "America's Elderly at Risk," that the excessive financial risks facing the elderly require urgent attention by Congress. "First, Congress should take steps to ensure that elderly out-of-pocket health care costs rise no faster than the elderly's ability to pay. Second, Congress must immediately take on the critical challenge of developing a long-term policy to protect all Americans from impoverishment in the face of chronic and disabling illnesses." GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
NIA/Cell Proliferation in Senescence. The National Institute on Aging is encouraging further research and training activities using modem tools of molecular biology and genetics to elucidate the molecular bases of cellular aging processes and the control of DNA replication and cell proliferation, with particular emphasis on processes related in a causal way to senescence in mammals. The primary grant mechanisms will be the research grant, program project grant, and postdoctoral fellowship. Contact: Huber Warner, Chief, Molecular and Cellular Biology Branch, NIA, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 31, Rm. 5019, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 496-6402. Special Emphasis Research Career Award: Nutritional & Metabolic Factors in Aging. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) solicits applications for Special Emphasis Research Career Awards (SERCA) for training and research support of scientists seeking careers in nutritional and metabolic factors in aging. Numerous needs for research on nutritional and metabolic factors in aging have been identified. These include epidemiologic, clinical, and physiologic research involving humans and animals. They may be grouped in two general areas: 1. Effects of chronic dietary restriction on lifespan in nonrodent species, particularly primates; mechanisms of extension of lifespan by dietary restriction in established rodent models; long-term effects of caloric intake, obesity, and intake of specific macro- and micro-nutrients on longevity and maintenance of health in late life, on the progression of agerelated physiologic and pathophysiologic changes. The effects of excess consumption of nutrients, as well as inadequate intake, are of interest; and the contribution of metabolic by-products such as free radicals of glycosylated proteins to age-related pathology, through their effects on cellular or tissue constituents and functions. 2. Effects of age-related changes on nutritional require-
410 ments and on pathophysiologic processes related to excessive consumption of specified nutrients. Examples include: effects of age-related changes in nutrient digestion, metabolism, and body composition on nutrient requirements and susceptibility to specific diseases, e.g., effects of age-related change in cholesterol metabolism on atherogenesis; contributions of deficits or excesses of specific nutrients in old age to diseases or dysfunctions; and effects of physiologic changes with age on nutritional requirements and intermediary metabolism. This SERCA is intended to foster the career development of researchers with interests in these and related topics by encouraging qualified individuals to acquire in-depth experience and skills in the basic and clinical scientific disciplines that bear upon this area. The non-renewable award will provide support of up to $40,000 per year for five years. The grantee institution must be a domestic university, medical school or comparable institution with strong, wellestablished research and training programs in the chosen area. Inquiries and correspondence should be directed to: Nutrition Program, National Institute on Aging, Bldg. 31, Room 5C-21, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 4961033. N I N C D S Seeks Research Proposals on AIDS-Related Neurological Disorders. The National Institute of Neurolog-
ical and Communicative Disorders and Stroke invites investigators to submit proposals for research on neurological disorders associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Studies are sought that would clarify the clinical features, course, and pathology of AIDS-associated dementia, movement disorders (spastic paraplegia and ataxia), and peripheral nerve disease. Proposals may address either clinical or basic science issues, such as: AIDS dementia in
NIH NEWS adults and children, nervous tissue response to the AIDS retrovirus, development of more sensitive probes for detecting the AIDS virus in the nervous system, development of new animal models for studying neurological effects of the AIDS virus, epidemiology of AIDS-related neurological disorders, and criteria and tools for early diagnosis of neurological complications of AIDS. Proposals that explore AIDS dementia and encephalomyelopathy in infants and children are particularly encouraged. Also of interest is dysmorphic syndrome in children with AIDS. Details of this announcement were published in the June 27, 1986, issue of the N1H Guide to Grants and Contracts. Deadlines for the receipt of applications are October 1, February 1, and June 1. For further information, contact Dr. A. P. Kerza-Kwiatecki, Demyelinating, Atrophic, and Dementing Disorder Program, NINCDS, Room 702, Federal Building, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone (301) 496-1431. ADAMHA/Researeh Grants. The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration has announced a goal to increase the proportion of its research grants which are awarded for four to five years and is encouraging more investigators to apply for the longer term research projects. Awards have typically been for three years in the past. ADAMHA will be looking for an established track record of productivity and scientific contribution, sufficient institutional resources to foster the proposed line of research for the full period, and proposed research of a nature to be productive for the full period. ADAMHA also welcomes the submission of applications for research projects whose design requires four to five years, where such design is appropriate to the nature of the research. Contact: Office of Science, ADAMHA, Rm. 13-103, Parklawn Bldg., 5600 Fishers Ln., Rockville, MD 20857, telephone (301) 443-4266.