JPcofuND 2. Linking pre-diagnosis disturbances of physiological systems to Neurodegenerative Diseases

The ANR launches in collaboration with the ERA-NET JPcofuND 2 a joint call to support multinational, collaborative research projects to identify nervous system dysfunctions leading to physiological disturbances observable before the appearance of unequivocal symptoms of Neurodegenerative diseases.

The present call is supported by 22 member countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal (Azores), Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Proposals should focus on one or several of the following research areas:

• Demonstrating the relationship between early neurodegenerative processes and physiological disturbances, e.g. by analyzing existing cohorts and longitudinal data.
• Applying cutting-edge methods or technologies to improve the detection of early symptoms, e.g. by establishing innovative biomarkers and increasing the sensitivity, specificity and/or the robustness of the readouts.
• Human or animal studies to decipher the neurodegeneration-derived processes causing early disease-specific signatures, e.g. on the neuropathological, cellular, synaptic, metabolic or inflammatory level. The use of well-characterised human cohorts’ data is encouraged.
• Using digital technologies to link recognizable symptoms to physiological changes associated to neurodegeneration, e.g. by combining clinical, neurophysiological, biochemical, imaging and psychological data.
• Relating prognostic signs of disease with real-life measurement of physiological disturbances using home-monitoring and/or wearable devices, including wireless sensors for patient monitoring.

Proposals focusing on one of the following neurodegenerative diseases are eligible for this call: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease and PD‐related disorders, Prion diseases, Motor neuron diseases, Huntington’s disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Proposals should have novel, ambitious aims and ideas combined with well-structured work plans and clearly defined objectives deliverable within three years. Where proposals are complementary to work funded or applied for under other initiatives, this should be indicated, so that it is clear how any work supported by JPND will add value. Each consortium should have the critical mass to achieve the identified scientific goals and the proposals should specify the added value of working together. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the expertise and range of skills required to conduct the research project or that appropriate collaborations are in place. The value that will be added to ongoing national activities and the expected impact on future medical as well as health and social care for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases should be explicitly stated.

Proposals should address socio-economic factors, gender-related research questions and comorbidities, where appropriate. Consortia should incorporate these factors when formulating their research hypotheses, aims and work plans. Cross-cultural issues and diversity, should be taken into account, particularly when developing and implementing instruments and intervention strategies. Patient and Public involvement at all the stages of the proposals is highly encouraged.