Texas Dementia Research Initiative Faces Legal Delays as Health Organizations Unite in Support

The American Heart Association and the Alzheimer's Association have filed an amicus brief in support of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), a voter-approved initiative to advance research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The filing comes as litigation has delayed implementation of Proposition 14, which was approved by nearly 70% of Texas voters in November 2025. The brief asks the Court of Appeals for the Fifteenth Judicial District to affirm the trial court's dismissal of the case, arguing that Proposition 14 builds on a proven Texas model for medical research, that DPRIT will advance research critical to the health of Texans, and that continued delay is contrary to the public interest.

The implications of this legal battle are significant. Nearly 460,000 Texans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, affecting families, caregivers and communities across the state. DPRIT represents a historic investment in brain health research, providing $3 billion over 10 years—the largest state investment of its kind in U.S. history. If the litigation continues to stall the initiative, it could slow discovery, hinder the recruitment of top researchers to Texas, and delay improved treatments and diagnoses for those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias.

"Texas voters sent a clear message when they approved Proposition 14: families facing Alzheimer's and other dementias cannot afford to wait," said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "Every day of delay slows discovery, stalls the recruitment of top researchers to the state and pushes improved treatments and diagnosis further out of reach. DPRIT is an investment in what comes next: better prevention, earlier detection and a generation that grows older with more control over its brain health."

The American Heart Association advocated for Proposition 14 because evidence shows heart health and brain health are deeply interconnected. Many of the same risk factors that increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke—including high blood pressure, tobacco use, physical inactivity and obesity—are also linked to premature cognitive decline and dementia. As noted in a recent American Heart Association news release, several cardiovascular conditions and risk factors are linked to Alzheimer's risk. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to brain health.

"Breakthroughs don't happen by accident - they happen when communities make a long-term commitment to science, innovation and the people whose lives depend on them," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "The fight against Alzheimer's and dementia is one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time, and progress depends on our willingness to invest in science before families run out of options. That's exactly the opportunity Texas voters embraced through Proposition 14."

The Alzheimer's Association supported the legislation that established DPRIT and led the voter education campaign that carried Proposition 14. That work rests on decades of engagement with state lawmakers and a grassroots network of advocates and community partners across Texas. The Association is committed to seeing the voters' mandate fulfilled. Both organizations remain committed to working with the Texas lieutenant governor, other state elected officials, and research and public health institutions across the state to implement DPRIT and initiate this investment to accelerate progress in brain-health research.

The outcome of this legal challenge will determine whether Texas can move forward with its landmark investment in brain health. If the court affirms the dismissal, DPRIT can begin funding research that could lead to better prevention, earlier detection, and improved treatments for Alzheimer's and other dementias. If the litigation continues, it could further delay these critical advances, affecting not only Texans but potentially millions of families across the country who stand to benefit from the research DPRIT will support.