About NIA

Mission

Overview

NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads the federal government in conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The Institute seeks to understand the nature of aging and the aging process, and diseases and conditions associated with growing older, in order to extend the healthy, active years of life.

In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people. Subsequent amendments to this legislation designated NIA as the primary Federal agency on Alzheimer’s disease research.

Mission

The Institute's mission is to:

  • Support and conduct genetic, biological, clinical, behavioral, social, and economic research on aging.
  • Foster the development of research and clinician scientists in aging.
  • Provide research resources.
  • Disseminate information about aging and advances in research to the public, health care professionals, and the scientific community,among a variety of audiences.

Programs

NIA sponsors research on aging through extramural and intramural programs. The extramural program funds research and training at universities, hospitals, medical centers, and other public and private organizations nationwide. The intramural program conducts basic and clinical research in Baltimore, MD, and on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD.