A major new health research initiative, the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), has been filed in the Texas Senate as Senate Bill 5 (SB 5)—one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s top legislative priorities.
Proposed by Patrick in November 2024, the initiative aims to bring leading dementia researchers and companies to Texas to enhance research efforts and develop treatments for dementia-related disorders. Senate Committee on Finance Chair Joan Huffman (R-Houston) officially filed SB 5, aligning with Patrick’s commitment to making Texas a leader in medical research.
DPRIT’s Mission and Structure
SB 5 outlines two key objectives for DPRIT:
Advancing dementia research—accelerating innovation to improve health outcomes, seek medical breakthroughs, and position Texas as a leader in dementia-related research.
Expanding research capabilities—offering grants to eligible institutions and private entities to enhance Texas’ role in the field.
“Dementia, and especially Alzheimer’s, touches so many families today. It is a heartbreaking and devastating disease,” Patrick said when announcing the legislative priority.
DPRIT’s governance will include three committees:
Oversight Committee—appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and House speaker, responsible for hiring the institute’s CEO.
Peer Review Committee—assessing research and funding proposals.
Program Integration Committee—ensuring alignment with the initiative’s mission.
To maintain transparency, DPRIT must submit annual reports to state leaders and make them publicly available, covering financial audits, grant allocations, research progress, and future strategic plans.
Funding and Legislative Process
Modeled after the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)—a 2007 initiative that has received $6 billion in state funding—DPRIT is set to receive $3 billion under the Senate’s draft budget. This accounts for 12.6% of Texas' $23.8 billion budget surplus.
A corresponding bill, House Bill 5 (HB 5), was filed by former House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland), signaling a collaborative effort between chambers. However, DPRIT’s funding and structure may become part of late-session negotiations, as lawmakers seek to balance priorities.
“Just as we are leading on cancer research, Texas can be a world leader in combating dementia, finding treatment and, one day, a cure,” Patrick said.
If passed by the Legislature, Texas voters will need to approve DPRIT as a constitutional amendment, similar to CPRIT’s funding approval in 2007 and 2019. Unless altered by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, the institute will be active until September 1, 2035.
