The American Heart Association and the Alzheimer's Association have jointly 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 brief, filed with the Court of Appeals for the Fifteenth Judicial District, comes as litigation has delayed implementation of Proposition 14, which was approved by nearly 70% of Texas voters in November 2025. The organizations argue that the trial court's dismissal of the case should be affirmed, emphasizing 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 for the nearly 460,000 Texans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as their families and caregivers. The delay in implementing DPRIT means that critical research into prevention, risk reduction, and early detection is stalled, slowing discovery and hindering the recruitment of top researchers to the state. As Joanne Pike, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, stated, "Texas voters sent a clear message when they approved Proposition 14: families facing Alzheimer's and other dementias cannot afford to wait. 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." The Alzheimer's Association led the voter education campaign for Proposition 14 and remains committed to fulfilling the voters' mandate.
The American Heart Association's support for DPRIT stems from the well-established link between heart health and brain health. Many risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as 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 associated with Alzheimer's risk. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of long-term investment in science: "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. 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."
Proposition 14 provides $3 billion to DPRIT over 10 years, making it the largest state investment in brain health research in U.S. history. The organizations stress that swift resolution of the legal challenges is essential to initiate this investment and accelerate progress in brain-health research. They remain committed to working with Texas Lieutenant Governor and other state officials to implement DPRIT. For more information on brain health, visit the American Heart Association's Brain Health page. The outcome of this litigation will determine whether Texas can move forward with this landmark initiative, which promises to benefit families far beyond the state's borders.
