Texas Considers Billions for Dementia Research in November Ballot Initiative

In a significant move, Texas is preparing to place a proposal on its upcoming November ballot that aims to allocate billions of dollars towards dementia research through a dedicated state institute. The proposal, in the form of a constitutional amendment, seeks approval from voters to fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) with an estimated $3 billion over a decade. Additionally, legislation supporting the creation of DPRIT has gained preliminary approval in both the Texas House and Senate, and is close to being signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

This initiative aims to position Texas as a leader in tackling dementia, a neurological condition that affects nearly 7 million Americans, including over half a million residents of Texas. The legislation was championed by lawmakers like Rep. Tom Craddick and Sen. Joan Huffman, who highlight the state's potential to accelerate breakthroughs in understanding, preventing, and treating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The institute will be guided by a nine-member oversight committee comprising medical professionals, family members, and caregivers, and will distribute grants to universities, medical centers, and private entities engaged in dementia research.

Funding from DPRIT will focus on causes, prevention, therapies, pharmaceutical development, and rehabilitation methods. Supporters argue that this initiative will not only improve health outcomes but also boost the economy by attracting top research talent and creating high-quality jobs. The program is modeled after Texas’s successful $6 billion Cancer Prevention Research Institute, which has established the state as a global leader in cancer research. Advocates believe that increased investment now can expedite discoveries leading to a cure or effective treatments for dementia.

Despite strong backing, some lawmakers, like Sen. Kelly Hancock, expressed reservations, citing the role of government and the emotional toll of dementia. However, supporters maintain that the initiative represents a strategic investment with both health and economic benefits, especially for rural communities that currently have limited access to clinical trials.

Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a progressive, incurable condition that severely impacts memory, cognition, and independence. It disproportionally affects women and imposes a significant financial burden, with Texas spending approximately $3.9 billion on Medicaid for related costs last year. With Texas ranked third nationally for Alzheimer’s cases and second for related deaths, leaders see this initiative as a critical step toward combating a disease that touches many families.

The legislation is highly supported within the state, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasizing Texas’s capacity to lead major biomedical research efforts. The ballot measure will go directly to voters, as it is a constitutional amendment that cannot be vetoed by the governor. Inspired by the success of the cancer research institute, Texas aims to replicate that model in dementia research, promising to make a profound impact on public health and scientific progress.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-billions-dementia-november-ballot-texas.html