An official website of the United States government
Our mission
NIA provides health information informed by research and reviewed by experts to help you learn about healthy aging and common health conditions in older adults.
Who we are
NIA supports scientific initiatives and innovation at universities, medical centers, and research institutes across the U.S. and around the world; conducts research at its scientific laboratories in Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland; and maintains an active communications and outreach program to share knowledge and disseminate information to the broader research community and to the public. Its work has led to important scientific discoveries about the aging process, age-related diseases and conditions, and the needs of the growing older adult population.
Our organization
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research.
Leadership
Read about Richard J. Hodes, M.D., the Director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
Advisory groups
The National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) advises the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Director of NIH, and the Director of NIA on its mission. The Council meets three times a year to consider applications for research and training and to recommend funding for promising applications.
Research and grants
Our research
Read about research on aging-related health issues, healthy aging, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias conducted at or funded by NIA.
Use the NIA Research Resources database to find NIA-supported scientific resources, datasets, informatics resources, and more. Search by keyword, resource type, or NIA Division or IRP.
Our grants
NIA supports aging research from basic science through clinical studies. Here you will learn about extramural research opportunities and how to apply for NIA funds. Specific grant mechanisms are available for individuals at different career stages, from trainees to senior investigators. NIA provides support for aging research and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in older adults.
Budget
NIA prepares an annual Congressional Budget Justification, which provides the Senate and House Appropriations Committees with detailed estimates and justifications for research and research support activities. View the complete budget justification and Director's statement for each fiscal year.
Contact us
NIA welcomes your questions or comments about aging and age-related diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s and related dementias. NIA can address questions related to research and general health information; however, we cannot make diagnoses or offer medical opinions. For personal health questions, we encourage you to contact your health care provider.