In a bold move to combat the growing dementia crisis, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has proposed the creation of a new taxpayer-funded research initiative aimed at attracting leading dementia researchers and companies to Texas. The proposed program, the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), is designed to emulate the success of the state’s Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which has made Texas a national leader in cancer research.
Patrick made the announcement on Monday, calling DPRIT a "major legislative initiative" that would focus specifically on dementia research, just as CPRIT focuses on cancer. "DPRIT will be laser-focused on dementia, just as CPRIT is laser-focused on cancer," Patrick said, stressing that the initiative would bring cutting-edge research, treatments, and companies to Texas, boosting both the state’s economy and its healthcare landscape.
The proposed institute would be modeled after CPRIT, which was established in 2007 to fight cancer. Through a combination of state funding and investment from private companies, CPRIT has played a crucial role in establishing Texas as a global leader in cancer research, with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston now ranked as the best cancer hospital in the world.
Learning from CPRIT’s Success
Patrick pointed to CPRIT’s history as a key example of how targeted state investment can attract world-class researchers and institutions. Originally funded with $3 billion, CPRIT has since received an additional $3 billion following voter approval to increase its funding cap in 2019. This financial commitment has led to significant advancements in cancer research and treatment, including groundbreaking therapies and clinical trials. Patrick envisions a similar trajectory for DPRIT, believing that targeted investment in dementia research could not only improve care for patients but also position Texas as a leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
"One of the most successful existing health programs ever created in Texas is CPRIT,” Patrick said. “The state’s investment in cancer research has attracted world-renowned leaders in the field to Texas. We can do the same for dementia."
Legislation and Support
The proposal for DPRIT is still in its early stages, but Patrick has already garnered key support from Texas lawmakers. Senate Committee on Finance Chair Joan Huffman (R-Houston) will sponsor the legislation in the Senate as one of her top priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Rep. Tom Craddick (R-Midland), a veteran lawmaker, also played a key role in shaping the proposal to ensure bipartisan and broad support across both chambers of the Texas Legislature.
“Dementia, and especially Alzheimer’s, touches so many families today,” Patrick said in his announcement, referring to the growing number of Texans affected by the disease. “It is a heartbreaking and devastating disease. But Texas can be a world leader in combating dementia, finding treatment, and, one day, a cure.”
While the bill has not yet been filed, lawmakers are expected to introduce it during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, which convenes on January 14, 2025. The bill would require voter approval through a constitutional amendment, similar to how CPRIT’s funding was approved and re-authorized in 2007 and 2019.
The Growing Need for Dementia Research
As the population of Texas continues to age, the need for groundbreaking research into dementia has become more urgent. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of people living with the disease is expected to increase dramatically over the next several decades. In Texas alone, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's is projected to more than double by 2050, creating a significant strain on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems.
By establishing DPRIT, Patrick aims to make Texas a global hub for dementia research, not only improving the lives of those affected by the disease but also creating high-paying jobs and economic opportunities in the research and healthcare sectors. The proposal also aligns with broader state efforts to address health disparities, improve the quality of life for seniors, and foster innovation in medical research.
Public Support and Legislative Road Ahead
While the idea of investing in dementia research has garnered broad support from both public health advocates and lawmakers, the proposal faces several hurdles. For one, the program would require substantial funding — a challenge in a state that has prided itself on keeping taxes low. Additionally, any new state initiative of this scale will need to demonstrate clear, tangible outcomes in the form of medical breakthroughs or economic growth to justify continued taxpayer investment.
Nevertheless, Patrick’s emphasis on DPRIT’s potential to drive innovation and create jobs in Texas has already attracted interest from stakeholders across the healthcare and business sectors. Early indications suggest that the proposal has the potential to gain the bipartisan support it needs to pass through the Legislature and ultimately secure voter approval.
“I believe that if the voters approve DPRIT, Texas can replicate the success of CPRIT and lead the way in solving one of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time,” Patrick said.
