Senator César J. Blanco Votes to Create the Dementia Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT)

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
March 5, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Votes to Create the Dementia Prevention & Research
Institute of Texas (DPRIT)
Austin, TX – Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 5 to create the Dementia Prevention
and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). The bill, modeled after the highly successful Cancer
Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), establishes a competitive grant program to
fund studies on the causes, prevention, and treatment of dementia, positioning Texas as a leader
in medical innovation.
Senator César J. Blanco, a co-author of the bill, highlighted its importance for El Paso and West
Texas, where dementia rates are among the highest in the state. Border communities like El Paso
face disproportionate challenges due to health disparities and limited access to specialized care.
"El Paso is among the hardest-hit areas in Texas by dementia, and far too many families,
including my own Uncle, have watched their loved ones suffer without effective treatment
options," said Senator Blanco. "This bill is personal to me— it’s about making a change,
investing in research to improve care, uncover solutions, and ensure Texas leads the fight against
dementia."
DPRIT will be funded by a proposed constitutional amendment (CSSJR 3) that would allocate $3
billion over 10 years to support dementia research across Texas.
“This bill not only brings funding for research, but it also brings hope to families, creating jobs
in the medical field, and strengthening our research institutions.” Senator Blanco continued. “I’m
proud to co-author this effort and will keep working to secure the funding needed to make it a
reality."
The bill now moves to the Texas House for consideration.