Opinion: Vote Yes for Proposition 14, Vote Yes for A Better Future

Most of us go through life thinking that it will never happen to us, that we will never have to watch our loved ones lose their memories, their personalities, or their health. But today there are 1.1 million Texans providing care for the 459,000 Texans who are living with the devastation of Alzheimer's disease. 

There are also an estimated 52,500 Texans living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). I personally have two close family friends who are living with Parkinson’s, and we are witnessing firsthand the challenges that come from living with a destructive neurological disease. We are also learning about how helpless it can feel to watch a loved one suffer and not be able to do anything to help them.

This election cycle, there is something that every single Texan can do to help, and that is to vote in the upcoming election for Proposition 14, a constitutional amendment that will authorize the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). With this one vote, we can all work together to change the trajectory of the future of neurological diseases in Texas. 

Creating DPRIT is not a gamble; we know this model works. Texas has already created the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) which has been wildly successful for Texans. CPRIT has delivered over 11 million cancer prevention services, attracted 340 top researchers, and generated $27 billion in economic impact while saving lives and creating more than 224,000 jobs. DPRIT will apply this same successful approach to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, giving Texas a powerful path forward.

DPRIT will be a state institute solely focused on solving the mystery of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other related disorders. The Legislature has dedicated $3 billion in funds for research, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. By investing now, Texas can accelerate the discovery of treatments and prevention strategies right here at home where Texans will directly benefit. By investing now, Texas will attract top researchers in this field, and just as Texas became a leader in cancer research, we can soon lead the nation in dementia research as well.

If we do nothing, Texans will continue to pay the price. Incidents of dementia are growing, and families are faced with lost wages and out-of-pocket costs that burden those trying to care for loved ones. We also continue to pay collectively as taxpayers as dementia care costs the state billions each year through Medicaid and long-term care programs. 

Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease are not abstract issues. Without action, these numbers will only grow as our population ages. Proposition 14 is our chance to do what Texas does best, and that is to fight back with purpose, strength, and innovation. We have seen what bold investments in medical research can do. Now it’s time to do the same for dementia. Let’s make Texas the state that not only confronts this crisis but leads the way in solving it. 

Vote yes on Proposition 14. Texas families are counting on it.

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The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) is the Texas public policy voice for the healthcare and bioscience industry. The Texas life sciences industry is committed to expanding the boundaries of science by discovering, developing, and delivering innovative and needed medications to patients. It is the patient that is the ultimate beneficiary of such advances. The membership of THBI is dedicated to creating an environment where such discoveries flourish and thrive. For more information, visit www.thbi.com.