Texas voters approve $3B to establish Dementia Prevention and Research Institute
Voters in Texas approved a ballot measure that amends the state constitution, establishing a dementia research institute that will fund initiatives that improve understanding of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and other diseases impacting cognitive function.
Proposition 14 passed with a 69% favorable vote, putting into motion the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), which will receive an initial $3 billion to get up and running.
Notably, proponents of the amendment emphasized that the money comes from surplus state funds, meaning the taxpayers won’t be burdened by the initial expenditure.
The project was spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, alongside state representative Tom Craddick—both Republicans. However, support did not fall along party lines; the subsequent Senate Bill 5 that created the DPRIT received overwhelming, bipartisan support when it passed in May.
Proposition 14 then brought the issue to the voters, who approved the funding and made the new entity an official part of Texas. Going forward, DPRIT will receive $300 million in funding annually to conduct its work.
In covering the proposal, the Texas Tribune noted that the state has the largest aging population in the country, with health department statistics showing that 459,000 residents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—that’s 12% of all Texans aged 65 and older.
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Alzheimer’s alone accounts for 80% of all cases of dementia nationwide. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates over 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's, with the vast majority of cases found in people 65 and older.
Given the myriad unknowns about the disease—and the higher number of Texas seniors who suffer from dementia—it’s no wonder the effort to establish DPRIT was so popular with voters.
“Over two million Texans affirmed we need to find the key to prevention and curing dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease,” Rep. Tom Craddick said in a statement.
Craddick, 82, helped draft the legislation that led to the creation of DPRIT—something he said has been the “honor of a lifetime.”
“These diseases touch nearly every family in our state, leaving lasting impacts on loved ones and communities alike,” he added. “With this vote, Texas has taken a major step toward protecting future generations. Much like the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), DPRIT will invest in groundbreaking research unlike any other state in the nation.”
DPRIT will officially begin its work next year.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.