Texas Can Lead the Way
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease hit close to home for millions of Texans. Yet, a bold move in 2025 could change the future: Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 5, launching the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). It is a game‑changing effort aimed at accelerating research, sparking medical breakthroughs, making Texas a leader on this issue, and giving hope right here at home.
What is Dementia? What is Alzheimer’s Disease? And Why Should We Care?
First, what are these conditions? Dementia is a broad term for brain disorders that reduce memory, thinking, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. In Texas alone, around 400,000 people have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, making the state the third‑largest in national cases and second in dementia‑related deaths. Across the U.S., nearly 6.9 million Americans over age 65 live with Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, the number is expected to double by 2060. Globally, over 55 million people have dementia now and that may grow to 139 million by 2050.
Moreover, the emotional and financial toll is staggering. Families, governments, and other health care payers shoulder heavy burdens. Texas Medicaid spends roughly $4.3 billion a year caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, underscoring the scale of the challenge. National costs reach hundreds of billions annually and far outweigh the proposed investment in Texas research.
What’s Being Done: The Texas Legislature Acts
So, what’s happening now? In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) to establish DPRIT, modeled after the hugely successful Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). They also placed Senate Joint Resolution 3 (SJR 3) before the voters in November 2025 to approve statewide funding.
The legislation sets up DPRIT to lead dementia research in Texas. More specifically:
- It creates the Institute and defines its purpose: to accelerate innovation, drive breakthroughs, improve Texans’ health, and expand research capacity in dementia and related disorders.
- It establishes a robust governance structure, including an Oversight Committee (nine members appointed by the Governor, Lt . Governor, and Speaker), a Peer Review Committee, and a Program Integration Committee.
- It also creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund, a dedicated treasury fund to support DPRIT’s work.
Funding matters enormously. SB 5 proposes a $3 billion one‑time transfer from state general revenue over the next decade. However, it was contingent on voter approval of SJR 3. Texas voters said “yes, to Ballot Proposition 14 (SJR 3), which sets in motion the roll out of the agency.
Once funded, the Institute can award up to $300 million in research grants annually, and has $22.4 million per year earmarked for administration, including funding 54 full‑time staff.
Why This Dementia Effort Matters for Texas and Texans
Why is this so important…Texas is already a leader in biotech?
First, it establishes Texas as a national leader in brain‑health research. State leaders argue that DPRIT can attract world‑class scientists and build on Texas’ strong medical research ecosystem. Texans already live in a state with MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth, and other leading institutions. Enhancing their work with new funds will accelerate innovation.
Second, DPRIT creates hope for millions. It aims to drive breakthroughs in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and maybe even cures. Almost seven million Americans and half a million Texans are affected. With DPRIT, Texas could transform how dementia is managed, potentially making Alzheimer’s treatable like chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Third, the economic and social returns could be huge. The cost of dementia care is massive. Yet the cost of care nationally dwarfs DPRIT’s projected research investment at $3 billion over a decade. Furthermore, successful precedent exists: CPRIT brought in private funds, new jobs, institutions, and breakthroughs after voter approval. DPRIT hopes to replicate that success for dementia.
Conclusion
In summary, dementia including Alzheimer’s disease represents one of the greatest health challenges of our time. In Texas, hundreds of thousands already suffer, and millions more serve as caregivers under emotional strain. But with SB 5 and the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, our state has taken a bold step to accelerate research, attract talent, and deliver hope.
Texas is poised to become a national leader in fighting dementia. Because Texans voted “yes” in November, we’ll be one step closer to breakthroughs right here in our communities. Together, we can bring answers, treatments, and hope to millions of Texans.
FAQs: Dementia Signs and Symptoms
1. What are the early warning signs of dementia?
At first, dementia may look like normal forgetfulness, but it goes further. People may forget recent conversations, repeat questions, or get lost in familiar places. In addition, they might have trouble finding simple words or completing everyday tasks. As a result, daily routines become harder and more frustrating over time.
2. How is normal aging different from dementia?
Everyone forgets things once in a while. For example, you might misplace your keys or forget a neighbor’s name but remember it later. However, dementia is more serious. Memory problems happen often, and they get worse. Because of this, people with dementia may struggle with problem-solving, judgment, or staying organized.
3. Can dementia cause mood or behavior changes?
Yes, and these changes can be some of the most noticeable. A person may suddenly feel confused, anxious, or easily upset. In addition, they might withdraw from friends or lose interest in hobbies. As the disease progresses, their personality may shift in ways that surprise loved ones.
4. Besides memory loss, what other symptoms should I watch for?
Memory is only part of the picture. For example, someone may lose track of time or feel unsure about where they are. In addition, they may struggle to follow conversations or directions. Visual problems can also appear, such as trouble reading, judging distance, or noticing contrast. Because of these challenges, even simple activities like cooking or driving may become unsafe.
5. When should someone see a doctor about dementia symptoms?
You should not wait if signs are affecting daily life. For instance, if a person gets lost, misses bills, or cannot manage work or social activities, it’s time to seek help. A medical evaluation can explain what is happening. In addition, early diagnosis gives families more time to plan, explore treatments, and connect with support resources.
6. Where Can I Find Help If I’m Concerned About Dementia or Alzheimer’s in Texas?
You can reach out to Alzheimer’s Texas. They provide caregiver classes, early-stage support programs, and a 24/7 helpline. In addition, they offer free community education and local support groups. Learn more at txalz.org.
Another option is the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Their Alzheimer’s page explains warning signs, diagnosis, and care options. They also connect families with state and local services. You can find details at dshs.texas.gov/alzheimers-disease.
At the national level, the Alzheimer’s Association runs a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. You can call anytime for information, support, or crisis guidance. In addition, they host online communities, education workshops, and caregiver tools at alz.org.