Alzheimer’s and Infectious Diseases Research Grants

Alzheimer’s disease is devastating for the 44 million people worldwide living with the disease, robbing them of memories and the ability to function independently. Researchers have long sought the cause and worked to develop a cure, without significant success.

Some evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s may be triggered or driven by an infectious agent or microbial mechanism. Could this be the missing link to lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?

Determined to advance science regarding this possible connection, the IDSA Foundation is offering up to five one-time, $100,000 grants to researchers working to identify a microbial link to Alzheimer’s disease.

The IDSA Foundation research grants are designed to:

• Obtain evidence that an infectious agent or microbial community is correlated to Alzheimer’s disease
• Promote novel research in the field of microbial triggers for Alzheimer’s disease

To be eligible for a grant, research must be narrowly focused on identifying the possible role of an infectious agent or agents in causing Alzheimer’s disease. Awards will support innovative research, including basic, clinical and/or non-traditional approaches. The application period for the grant will open on June 10 and remain open through November 30. Grants are open to both IDSA and non-IDSA members.

You could unlock one of the greatest medical mysteries and help millions find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more about the application process and access key documents.

Funding for the awards is supported by grants from Alzheimer’s Germ Quest, Inc. and The Benter Foundation. 

Alzheimer's Germ Quest, Inc., (ALZgerm.org) is a public benefit corporation with the mission of accelerating and deepening investigations into possible microbial causes of Alzheimer's disease. It is the sponsor of the $1 Million Challenge Award for the scientist who provides persuasive proof that a particular microbial agent causes Alzheimer’s disease. The company is self-funded, and neither seeks nor accepts outside donations or grants.

The Benter Foundation was founded in 2007 to help communities and individuals thrive. Since then, the Foundation has invested to advance a more livable Pittsburgh, emphasizing the city’s urban core. Reaching beyond Pittsburgh, the Foundation supports peacebuilding efforts and innovators who create new knowledge to tackle large scale issues. Pathbreaking solutions are needed in health challenges like Alzheimer's disease and opioid abuse. The Benter Foundation believes that the battle against Alzheimer's will be won through innovative scientific research.