HEALTHY BRAINS Act of 2024

The HEALTHY BRAINS Act of 2024 establishes a new NIH research program to study how environmental factors - like pollution, chemicals in air/water, and heavy metals - may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s). It creates "Collaborative Centers for Neurodegenerative Disease Environmental Research" (CCNDERs) at universities and medical institutions, requiring them to conduct interdisciplinary research, develop nationwide data systems, and share findings with the public. The bill authorizes $50 million annually (2026-2030) for this program and mandates biennial reports to Congress on research progress. It directly affects NIH-funded research institutions and aims to advance prevention strategies, not patients or specific communities.