On Nov. 4, Texans will decide Proposition 14, a ballot measure to fund the Texas Dementia Prevention Research Institute (DPRIT).
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Proposition 14 would authorize funding of up to $3 billion for DPRIT over 10 years, capped at $300 million a year. The institute was created earlier this year by the Texas Legislature; the measure asks voters to approve the funding.
Melissa Sanchez, Texas senior policy director for the Alzheimer’s Association, said the association is urging Texans to vote yes.
“What DPRIT does is it establishes a dementia prevention research institute to really drive innovation in dementia and neurological research with the hopes of finding better treatments, better diagnostics, better prevention methods, and to really just transform the way that Texas handles this public health crisis of dementia,” Sanchez said. “DPRIT would really put us on the map. We’d be the largest state-funded dementia research center in the country.”
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Sanchez also noted how the funding would accelerate work on diagnostics, treatments, and prevention, as well as help bring specialists to Texas.
“It’s so important, especially during these times, that we vote yes on Proposition 14 to see that continued progress in dementia research where it’s such a pivotal time with dementia research, with new treatments on the market within the last several years, new research showing that certain lifestyle interventions can reduce your risk of developing dementia, and so we need to continue with that momentum and something like DPRIT can ensure... that our researchers in Texas have all the resources, the financial resources they need to continue making that progress in dementia research.”
Is it a tax increase?
Supporters say the funding is already allocated and that Prop. 14 would not raise taxes. The measure asks only for voter approval to release the funds.
Why it matters
- Reduce wait times: Sanchez said patients can face wait times of more than 200 days to see neurologists or specialists, which can prevent timely access to treatments that work best in the early stages.
- Preserve momentum: State funding could help sustain research if federal or other grant support declines.
- Expand care: Supporters say DPRIT could attract specialists and help build centers of excellence, similar to how cancer research centers developed.
What happens if voters reject it
Advocates warn that research could slow, specialist capacity could remain constrained, and long-term costs for families and the state could rise.
Lance McNeel’s story: hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s
Lance McNeel loves painting — even while living with Alzheimer’s for the past three years.
Lance takes Leqembi, one of the newer drugs on the market that works to slow Alzheimer’s progression. He says it’s worked well for him and others he knows who have Alzheimer’s.
“It’s not a cure, but it gives Lance hope,” His wife, Liz McNeel, said. “It slows the progression so he can still be Lance.”
The McNeels believe this medication has given them precious time to enjoy life together.
“We laugh and have fun most of the time,” Liz added.
Why Proposition 14 is crucial
The McNeels are urging Texans to vote yes on Proposition 14 this November since they believe it will propel research and attract more specialists to our area who could potentially treat more people losing their memories.
“I don’t know what I’d do,” Lance said about the idea of not getting the drug he credits with slowing the progression of his disease.
Without it, he said he would have lost the ability to do simple tasks.
Liz added, “It’s very important. We believe in this bill, and Texas knows how to do this. There will be more people available to those of us seeking help.”
Contact
For more information on Proposition 14 and DPRIT, contact our local Alzheimer’s Association office.