The Dementia Prevention and Research Institute

TALA encourages Texans to vote YES for Proposition 14 to fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute.

A key initiative on the Texas election ballot this November is Proposition 14, which would fund The Dementia Prevention and Research Institute. A Texas centric, innovative approach to dementia prevention, treatment, and causation research.

TALA has prepared some materials for you to use. Please help us spread the word and vote YES on advancing brain health in Texas.

  1. Key Facts - Get familiar with the ins and outs of Proposition 14 and why it is so important.
  2. Example Letter - Share the significance of dementia, the realities, and why we need to find effective treatments.
  3. Example Social Media Posts - Get the word out to your audiences online.
  4. Social Media Image - Use to amplify the importance of dementia funding.
  5. Poster - Print and hang in your communities.

Thank you for supporting this important initiative and voting YES on Proposition 14.

Proposition 14: Funding The Dementia Prevention and Research Institute

Introduction: This year the Texas Legislature passed SB 5 with bipartisan support to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute (DPRIT). On November 4th, Proposition 14 will be on the ballot asking for $3 billion over the next 10 years to fund this initiative. The Texas Assisted Living Association encourages voting YES on Proposition 14 to support this critical investment in brain health research.

Mechanics of Voting: Proposition 14 will be one of 17 measures on the ballot this November. The November 4th election is a general election. To find an early or election day voting location, click here.

The Effects of Dementia Impact Us All: Dementia is a term used for several disorders that impact memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known type of dementia, along with Lewy Body and many others. These conditions are a leading national cause of disability, the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a major factor in rising healthcare costs.

Texas ranks 3rd in the nation in the number of Alzheimer’s cases and 2nd in the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths. Currently, 460,000 Texans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. More than 500,000 are projected to be diagnosed by 2030, marking a 20% increase.

In Texas, there was a 227.5% increase in Alzheimer’s-related deaths from 2000 to 2022. Currently, 14.2% of Texans aged 45 and older report experiencing confusion or memory loss. Half of that group said they have “functional difficulties” causing them to give up day-to-day activities and/or interfering with work or social activities.

Goals of the Institute: With the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, Texas is demonstrating leadership on the following.

  1. Prioritize scientific investigation into the causes of and potential cures for dementia and related disorders.
  2. Support and accelerate dementia research by funding early-stage, innovative biomedical and neurology-related science.
  3. Award grants and partner with Texas-based research and higher education institutions to promote increased research.
  4. Foster innovation and position Texas as a leader in a growing industry, bringing talent, jobs, and infrastructure to Texas.

Key Messages

→Vote YES on Proposition 14 on November 4th to establish the largest state-funded research program to move us toward preventing and treating Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

→Vote YES on Proposition 14 on November 4th to position Texas at the forefront of innovative research and development of treatments for dementia, creating jobs, driving medical innovation, and benefiting public health for generations.

→Vote YES on Proposition 14 on November 4th means a commitment to hundreds of thousands of Texans and their families who are dealing with the cruel effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Share Your Story: As professionals in senior living, many have seen firsthand the cruel effects of Alzheimer’s and dementias on residents and their families. Without sharing personal information, speak to general examples of the effects of these diseases. If you have personal experience with a family member or loved one, speak to how your loved one has experienced dementia and what prevention or a cure could mean for them.

Quick Facts

  • Dementia is a term for several disorders that impact memory, thinking, and behavior, Alzheimer’s disease being the most well-known.
  • Dementia is a leading national cause of disability, the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a major factor in rising healthcare costs.
  • Texas has 460,000 individuals with Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to increase by 20% in the next five years,
  • 2% of Texans aged 45 and older report experiencing confusion or memory loss. Half of that group says they have “functional difficulties” causing them to give up day-to-day activities and/or interfering with work or social activities.
  • Over 1 million Texans provide unpaid care for people with dementia, valued at $33.1 billion per year. Dementia’s cruel effects impact us all.
  • The aging population (65+) in Texas is growing faster than the national average, which means the economic burden will escalate dramatically without prevention-focused strategies.
  • DPRIT will provide grants to Texas higher education and research institutions, forwarding these prestigious organizations as research leaders.
  • DPRIT aims to accelerate the search for effective treatments, preventions and cures, positions Texas at the forefront of the national fight against Alzheimer’s and related disorders and gives hope to families everywhere.

Questions? Please reach out to Director of Communications Helen Hunsinger at [email protected].