FEATURED: Manish Singh, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director, DHR Health, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, signals his support for successful efforts by DHR Health officials with local, regional and state leaders on bringing advancements in medicine and health care to deep South Texas. In this image, Singh was in attendance for Mayor Ambrosio Hernández, M.D’s 2025 State of the City Address at the Pharr EMS Headquarters. https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr/videos/484176384424491
Photograph Courtesy CITY OF PHARR FACEBOOK
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Valley’s three state senators vote for $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Fund, which is supported by DHR Health; measure now before the Texas House of Representatives for its action
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]
A state plan intended to create the largest brain health research center in America, to be known as the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, recently passed the Texas Senate and is awaiting action by the Texas House of Representatives, according to DHR Health.
https://www.dhr-rgv.com/media/lixpcn45/dhr_health_fact_sheet.pdf
In general, dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually leading to the inability to perform simply daily tasks, such as eating or walking. For most people with this specific type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease symptoms first appear in their mid-60s.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-alzheimers-disease
DHR Health offers a comprehensive neurology service through its Neuroscience Institute, with a team of specialists treating a wide range of brain and nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, and is the first Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Level I Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region.
https://www.dhrhealth.com/services/neuroscience
The Senate’s progress on the proposed Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas comes soon after DHR Health, one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the United States, announced on Monday, January 12, 2025, that Dario Narro, M.D., had been added to its neurology team.
Narro is board-certified in neurology and brings more than 27 years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions, including dementia and memory loss, movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal disorders, and more. He is dedicated to helping patients regain their independence and manage the challenging symptoms of their chronic neurological conditions.
“With a nationwide shortage of neurologists, we are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Narro join our team,” said Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice President, DHR Health. “His expertise ensures that patients of the Rio Grande Valley have greater access to high-quality neurological care, right here in our community.”
Currently, approximately 400,000 Texans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the costs associated with care are substantial, with Texas Medicaid expenses estimated to be nearly $4 billion in 2024. Additionally, research indicates that Hispanics will continue to experience a steep increase in dementia diagnoses among all racial and ethnic groups, yet they are underrepresented in clinical trials.
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/02/02/texas-rio-grande-valley-alzheimers-research
Clinical trials are research studies that involve human volunteers to test the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments, devices, or interventions.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/clinical-trials-and-studies/what-are-clinical-trials-and-studies
“There are few bills that we will pass this session that will have as significant of an impact for future generations as these dementia bills. This program is modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and we have seen how that research has transformed cancer treatment for patients,” said Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen.
A bill is a type of legislative measure that requires passage by both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives and action by the governor in order to become effective. A bill is the primary means used to create and change the laws of the state.
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas is a $6 billion, 20-year initiative – the largest state cancer research investment in the history of the United States and the second largest cancer research and prevention program in the world.
https://cprit.texas.gov/about-us
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Sen. Juan Hinojosa, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Sen. Adán “Adam” Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, voted to create and fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas through legislative measures Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3, both authored by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Sugar Land.
Senate Bill 5 would establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to focus on accelerating research into dementia and related disorders, enhancing innovation, and ultimately improving the health of Texans. With the alarming rise of dementia diagnoses — especially among Hispanic populations — this initiative is crucial, according to Sen. Juan Hinojosa.
Senate Joint Resolution 3 proposes a constitutional amendment that would transfer $3 billion in state funds to the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund, ensuring funding for the next 10 years, with a limit of $300 million in appropriations per fiscal year. This fund will support research into the causes, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of dementia, creating high-quality jobs and attracting top researchers to Texas.
A joint resolution is a type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives but does not require action by the governor.
A joint resolution is used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution, ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or request a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Before becoming effective, the provisions of joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution must be approved by the voters of Texas.
A constitutional amendment is a change to the Texas constitution. A constitutional amendment is proposed by the legislature in the form of a joint resolution that must be adopted by both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives on a two-thirds vote and be approved by a majority of the voters to become effective.
As author (also called the primary author), Huffman is the legislator who filed bill Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3 and is guiding those two measures through the legislative process.
Filed is use to refer to a measure that has been introduced into the legislative process and given a number.
Sen. Juan Hinojosa and Zaffirini were coauthors of Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3.
As coauthors, Sen. Juan Hinojosa and Zaffirini were authorized by Huffman to join in the authorship of Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3.
“Dementia is not just a medical issue; it’s a personal one that affects families and communities. We must prioritize research and resources to ensure that all Texans have access to the best possible care and support,” Sen. Juan Hinojosa said.
With the alarming rise of dementia diagnoses — especially among Hispanic populations — this initiative is crucial, he noted.
“In the Rio Grande Valley, we have the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research. This center will benefit fromthe Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and the significant investment of $3 billion,” Sen. Juan Hinojosa said. “These funds will speed up research to help us learn more about this terrible disease, how we can prevent it, and eventually cure it.”
https://www.utrgv.edu/som/alzheimers-disease-resource-center/en-us/index.htm
Creating the Dementia Prevention and Research Institution of Texas is an historic investment in public health, research and the well-being of Texas, Zaffirini agreed, who represents Senate District 21, which includes all of Starr County.
“This initiative is especially critical to communities in Senate District 21, including Starr, Duval, Dimmit, Web and McMullen counties – five of the 20 Texas counties with the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s,” she said. “I am proud to coauthor Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3, which will accelerate groundbreaking research, enhance care and bring hope to the many Texans” affected by dementia and related neurological disorders.
“I appreciate Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for making this issue a priority and Sen. Huffman for her leadership and commitment,” Sen. Juan Hinojosa further explained. “These funds will speed up research to help us learn more about this terrible disease, how we can prevent it, and eventually cure it.”
The concept was the idea of Patrick, and he said that Texas’ size and economic strength gives it the ability to take on big projects like this.
“Unlike any other state, really, we do have the wherewithal sometimes to do great, big things that impact everybody,” the lieutenant governor told Senate members. “Of the surplus dollars we have…it seems like it could be the best money that we are spending.
“After hearing countless stories of Texans who lives were shattered by this silent killer, I felt it was time to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to bring world-class Dementia researchers to our state,” Patrick continued. “Texas, with our vast resources, has an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of millions.”
Sen. Adán “Adam” Hinojosa (no relation to Sen. Juan Hinojosa) also hailed the Senate approval of Senate Bill 5 and House Joint Resolution 3.
“I am proud to announce the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 5, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas,” Sen. Adán “Adam” Hinojosa said. “This is a major step forward in advancing research, prevention, and care for Texans. Grateful for the strong support and commitment to this cause.”
According to Texas Senate News:
As the population of America ages, the number of dementia patients continues to grow, and is projected to reach 82 million patients by 2050. A person over the age of 55 has a 42 percent chance of developing dementia over the course of their life.
Huffman said that Texas already has the third-most dementia patients in the country – almost half a million – and last year state Medicare costs for dementia care alone topped $4 billion. More important than cost, however, is the toll the disease takes not only on patients, but on family, friends, and caregivers.
“It robs a person of their thoughts and memories, the very essence of that person,” said Huffman. “It leads to a loss of quality of life and independent function that places an immense burden on families and loved ones and our overall healthcare system.”
“There is no better place than Texas to take on this challenge,” she said. “We have world-class medical centers and researchers and our business friendly tax and regulatory environment puts Texas at a unique advantage to become the epicenter of biomedical research.”
Grants could be awarded for projects addressing the causes, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of dementia patients, as well as new medicines and facilities to help treat sufferers. Following the initial capitalization of $3 billion in general revenue, future appropriations into the institute would be capped at $300 million per year.
“I believe that the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas will follow this success and position Texas as a national leader in combating dementia and related disorders, accelerating groundbreaking research, and improving the lives of millions of Texans,” said Huffman.
Under Senate Bill 5, the institute would be governed by a board made up of physicians and scientists with expertise in the field of dementia research.
Additional key details about Senate Bill 5 – its history in the legislative process, the text of each version of the measure, legislative actions taken so far, fiscal notes, bill analyses, and witness lists – are available online at:
https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB5
A fiscal note is an estimate prepared by the Legislative Budget Board of the probable costs or savings or the probable revenue gains or losses that will be incurred as an effect of a bill or joint resolution.
A bill analysis is a document prepared for all bills and joint resolutions reported out of committee. A bill analysis may include background information on the measure, a statement of purpose or intent, and an analysis of the content of the measure.
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Verónica R. Yunes, Dariel Ramírez, and Arturo Olivarez contributed to this article. For more on this and other Texas legislative news stories that affect the Rio Grande Valley metropolitan region, please log on to Titans of the Texas Legislature (TitansoftheTexasLegislature.com).
