Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT)
Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT)
What is DPRIT?
The Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) aims to create and expedite neurological research in Texas, improving the health of Texans and driving brain-related breakthroughs in dementia and other related diseases.
Why act now?
Dementia is an umbrella term for disorders that impact memory, thinking, and behavior, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most well-known. These conditions are a leading cause of disability, the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a major factor in rising healthcare costs.
What are the goals of DPRIT?
- Create and expedite dementia research: Support and accelerate dementia research by funding early-stage, innovative biomedical and neurology-related science at eligible institutions.
- Drive commercialization of dementia research: Fund neuro technologies and programs with the greatest potential for commercial and societal impact.
- Enhance research superiority of Texas: Foster innovation and position Texas as a leader in a growing industry – bringing talent, jobs, and infrastructure to our state.
What is the status of DPRIT?
- This spring the bill to create DPRIT, Senate Bill 5, by Sen. Joan Huffman, and the companion House Bill 5, authored by Rep. Tom Craddick and 119 co-sponsors, passed both the Senate and the House. Senate and House Joint Resolution 3 also passed by the Legislature would fund it with $3 billion in surplus revenue.
- On Saturday, May 25, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed DPRIT into law.
- DPRIT’s implementation and funding are contingent on voter approval of the constitutional amendment in the November 2025 elections.
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2024 Houston Neuro Summit
The Houston Neuro Summit, held on December 4, 2024, advanced efforts to establish the Texas NeuroResearch Institute, aiming to position Texas as a leader in neurosciences and tackle critical neurological health challenges such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy, and PTSD.
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2024 Houston Neuro Summit
The Houston Neuro Summit, held on December 4, 2024, advanced efforts to establish the Texas NeuroResearch Institute, aiming to position Texas as a leader in neurosciences and tackle critical neurological health challenges such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy, and PTSD.
In November 2024 at TMC and February 2025 at the Texas Capitol, TMC hosted two summits to advance efforts to establish a dementia and neuro research institute of Texas. These summits aimed to position Texas a leader in neurosciences and tackle critical neurological health challenges, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, etc.
Why focus on dementia?
Focusing on dementia research in Texas is vital due to the state’s aging population, which will significantly increase the number of dementia cases. Dementia research is expensive, time-consuming, and has a high failure rate. However, as global dementia rates rise, prioritizing research is crucial. Overcoming obstacles and creating an environment that fosters innovation is necessary for breakthroughs in treatment. Texas can play a key role in advancing dementia care, prevention, diagnosis, and support for caregivers, positioning Texas as a leader in national dementia research efforts to improve the lives of affected individuals and families.
To see the February 20, 2025 Texas Dementia Symposium Presentation, please visit here.
