USA | Texas is on the brink of becoming a national leader in dementia prevention, treatment and innovation following a campaign.
The Alzheimer’s Association has announced the launch of a comprehensive campaign to rally voter support for Texas Proposition 14, a critical ballot initiative that, if passed, would fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).
DPRIT was established this year through bipartisan support of the Texas Legislature. Funding for the institute, totalling USD 3 billion over 10 years from the state’s general revenue, was proposed via Senate Joint Resolution 3 and is pending voter approval on November 4.
“Proposition 14 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Texas to become a leading hub for dementia research and prevention, positioning the state as a national leader,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Association and a local resident for 30 years.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to ensuring Texans’ support for Proposition 14 in November. DPRIT will attract top researchers and launch groundbreaking innovations that offer hope and solutions to families affected by dementia in our great state.”
Dementia is a growing public health crisis in the state. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, according to recent data:
- 459,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Texas.
- 1.1 million family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Texas.
- USD 4.3 billion is the cost of Alzheimer’s to the state Medicaid program.
"Everyone knows someone impacted by dementia. It’s a debilitating and costly disease that has physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on those with dementia as well as their families and caregivers,” said Melissa Sanchez, Texas Senior Director of Public Policy.
“Proposition 14 offers hope and solutions by funding the nation’s largest state research program focused on dementia, bringing us closer to effective preventions, treatments, and cures."
Proposition 14 presents a historic opportunity for Texas:
- If approved, Texas would allocate USD 3 billion over 10 years to fund the newly established DPRIT, modelled after the successful Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
- This significant investment will create the most extensive state-funded dementia research program in the nation, bringing hope and solutions to Texans right here at home.
- By voting yes, Texans will accelerate the search for effective prevention, treatments, and cures, ensuring the state leads the nation’s fight against dementia and paves the way for a healthier future for generations to come.
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