Music & Dementia Research Network Pilot Research Program — AD/ADRD
The purpose of the 2026 RFA is to elicit 1-year mechanistic pilot studies to generate the necessary preliminary data to strengthen future NIH applications for later-stage studies on mechanisms through which music may have a positive impact on health in the context of AD/ADRD. These studies will also facilitate multidisciplinary collaborations across the arts and science.
Only mechanistic studies, including mechanistic clinical trials, are eligible for this RFA.
Studies that are designed to test the safety or demonstrate efficacy/effectiveness of MBI are not eligible and should be submitted under the appropriate NIA Clinical Trial FOA. Please see NIA’s Clinical Trials Funding Opportunity Announcements external site (opens in a new window) web page for further information.
Scientific Scope:
The scientific scope of the pilot projects is limited to the following high-priority research areas, as outlined in the parent RFA-AT-23-009 for the U24 music research networks:
1) Exploration of innovative mechanistic hypotheses of the neural systems involved in the therapeutic effect of music (e.g., sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional/affective, reward, interoceptive systems) in the context of AD/ADRD
2) Examination of non-neural physiological systems and novel measures (e.g., impact on related non-neural organs, biochemical and molecular signals, epigenetic modifications) relevant to music or MBIs in the context of AD/ADRD
3) Investigation of psychological, behavioral, and social factors related to the effects of music or MBIs for AD/ADRD (including, but not limited to, predictors, moderators, or mediators of MBI treatment effects)
4) Discovery of treatment response or predictive biomarkers or signatures/profiles for music or MBIs in the context of AD/ADRD
5) Development and/or testing of innovative animal models to study mechanisms and biomarkers of music or MBIs in the context of AD/ADRD
6) Development and/or testing of novel technologies to measure how music or MBIs impact the brain or body, or to monitor health-related responses relevant to AD/ADRD
Please note that an outline of research priorities (developed after the May 2024 Music, Dementia, and Brain Research Summit in Washington, DC) is found on the MDRN website.
The Music & Dementia Research Network has an interest in using mobile brain-body imaging (MoBI) technologies through its collaboration with the National Science Foundation-funded BRAIN Center (Building Reliable Advances and Innovations in Neurotechnology). The BRAIN Center will provide access to MoBI equipment, software, AI algorithms, and expertise for pilot projects funded by the Network. Technical support can be provided but the cost (e.g., travel to site for training, supplies) must be budgeted in the pilot. Depending on the level of contribution of BRAIN, some pilots would require collaboration while others only technical support. Please reach out to the Music & Dementia Research Network, as appropriate.
