Texas looks to increase Alzheimer's resources
Texas senate proposes bill to establish the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Texans could be asked to dedicated $3 billion to cover the costs of Alzheimer's research and resources for care.
In 2022, Texas ranked ninth in the nation for deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease. By the end of this year around 500,000 Texans – that's more than the population of Arlington – are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease.
The mortality rate from Alzheimer’s disease has jumped over 50% in some cities in just nine years.
A graph shows the Alzheimer's Disease mortality by state. (Graph courtesy of CDC)
A graph shows the Alzheimer's Disease mortality by state. (Graph courtesy of CDC)
It is projected that around 500,000 Texans will have Alzheimer’s disease by the end of 2025. The care for these individuals amounted to $23.9 billion in 2023.
What is Texas doing about this issue?
Texas Senate Joint Resolution 47 calls for a November referendum to decide if the state should establish the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
The resolution was referred to the finance committee on Feb. 13, for more discussion on the logistics of the proposed institute.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a strong supporter of the bill, said in an online statement that the program would be a great success.
“Dementia, and especially Alzheimer’s, touches so many families today. It is a heart breaking and devastating disease. Just as we are leading on cancer research, Texas can be a world leader in combatting Dementia, finding treatment and, one day, a cure.
A graphic shows multiple statistics of Alzheimer's Disease in Texas. (Graphic by Georgie London)
A graphic shows multiple statistics of Alzheimer's Disease in Texas. (Graphic by Georgie London)
Where did the idea come from?
The idea to establish the Alzheimer institute stemmed from the creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) in 2007 and then later the passing of an amendment in 2019 to provide more funding.
Where will the money for the Alzheimer's institute come from?
The cost of establishing the foundation would be $3 billion, which is the same cost as the initial bill for CPRIT in 2007.
If the referendum passed the money would be transferred from the Texas general fund in January 2026.
A pamphlet shows the impact of CPRIT in Texas as of November 2024. (Graphic courtesy of CPRIT)
A pamphlet shows the impact of CPRIT in Texas as of November 2024. (Graphic courtesy of CPRIT)
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar speaks during a news conference where he released biennial revenue estimates that will be used to set Texas budget for the upcoming legislative session, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar speaks during a news conference where he released biennial revenue estimates that will be used to set Texas budget for the upcoming legislative session, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
What now?
“After DPRIT passes the legislature, the voters must approve it at the ballot box as a constitutional amendment, just as they did for CPRIT in 2007 and re-authorized in 2019.”
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