Texas voters will decide on Proposition 14, a constitutional amendment that would invest $3 billion over 10 years to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Supporters say the plan could make Texas a national leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia research without raising taxes.
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Texas voters are preparing to make a crucial decision regarding the allocation of $3 billion in state funding aimed at combating Alzheimer’s disease and various other brain disorders. A new initiative, referred to as Proposition 14, seeks to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, or DPRIT, which will serve as a state agency dedicated to the study and prevention of neurological diseases.
If approved, this measure would establish Texas as the leader in state-funded dementia research programs nationwide, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Early voting is available through October 31, with Election Day on November 4.
In Texas, over 460,000 individuals are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, while approximately 1.1 million residents are stepping up to provide unpaid care for family members dealing with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Supporters believe the new institute could accelerate research and expand treatment options for patients and their families.
“DPRIT aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that breakthroughs in the lab can be delivered to patients more swiftly,” stated Melissa Sanchez, Texas public policy director for the Alzheimer’s Association. “This initiative would draw leading doctors and scientists to Texas, enhancing care and accessibility for families.”
The $3 billion allocation will be spread over a decade, providing up to $300 million per year in research grants to universities, hospitals, and medical programs. Legislators assert that they would source the financial support from current state income, private contributions, and federal assistance—without imposing any new taxes or fees.
Advocates draw parallels between the suggested institute and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), established in 2009, which has successfully attracted over $11.6 billion in external research funding to the state.
Joshua Shulman, co-director of the Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, described Proposition 14 as a possible “game-changer.”
Should Proposition 14 receive approval, it will undoubtedly establish Texas as a leader in both national and international neurological research, according to Shulman. “This initiative will enable us to attract top talent to research conditions such as Alzheimer’s.”
Experts indicate that the initiative may pave the way for innovative therapies designed not only to slow the progression of dementia but also to enhance the quality of life for individuals who have already received a diagnosis.
“Every day, families throughout Texas are experiencing the impact of Alzheimer’s,” Sanchez stated. “This measure signifies optimism—optimism that scientific advancements, teamwork, and creativity will ultimately bring us nearer to prevention and a solution.”
