Mega Doctor News
AUSTIN – Early voting begins October 20th, giving Texans their first chance to support making the state a national leader in dementia prevention and research. Texas Proposition 14, if approved, would fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). A “Yes” vote on Prop 14 accelerates progress toward prevention, treatments and a cure, offering hope to Texas families – right here at home.
The Alzheimer’s Association is urging Texans to come up with a voting plan. Early voting begins today, Monday, October 20, and runs through Friday, October 31. Election Day is November 4. You can learn more about early voting and Election Day voting locations at votetexas.gov.
DPRIT was established this year through bipartisan support of the Texas Legislature. If approved by voters, the institute will receive an initial $3 billion transfer from surplus state general revenue. This funding, allocated over 10 years, aims to attract top researchers, doctors, treatments and clinical trials to the Lone Star State. DPRIT is modeled on the successful Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which includes rigorous oversight and accountability.
“Proposition 14 is a historic opportunity to put Texas at the forefront of the fight against dementia by focusing on developing the next generation of treatments, implementing prevention methods, and improving access to critical resources for patients and caregivers,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Association and a resident of Texas for 30 years. “This initiative would help us not only address today’s challenges but also build a healthier future for our state.”
Dementia is a growing public health crisis in Texas. Age is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and in the next two to five years, Texas is projected to be the “oldest state” in the country. 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.
- $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 at the Alzheimer’s Association. “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.”
To learn more and get involved, visit alz.org/YesOn14. It’s time to make Texas a leader in the national fight against Alzheimer’s – vote Yes on 14!
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
