In August 2021, Natives Engaged in Alzheimer’s Research, or NEAR, was awarded $14.6 million by the National Institute on Aging to combat disparities associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander groups. This is the first time these populations have been included in this type of program project grant from the National Institute on Aging.

Three main research projects within the Natives Engaged in Alzheimer’s Research grant will work on understanding, intervening on, and mitigating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias experienced by American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander people.