(NewsNation) — A new frontier in the fight against dementia could start in Texas voting booths, as early voting kicked off Monday in the Lone Star State.
If passed, Proposition 14 would create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, a 10-year, $3-billion investment in studying Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases.
The new institute, which could set a precedent for state-funded research, would launch Dec. 1, pending voter approval.
FDA expands list of imported cookware that may leach lead into food
Diagnoses of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are increasing nationwide. More than 6 million Americans are living with dementia, and the disease accounts for more than 100,000 deaths each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. That number is expected to double by 2050.
Texas ranks third in the nation for dementia cases, but experts have said every state faces a rising trend as baby boomers age.
Dr. Josef Coresh at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine warned of the “pending population boom in dementia cases” as posing problems for health policymakers.
Coresh warned officials must “refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize dementia risk and the severity of dementia cases, as well as plans to provide more health care services for those with dementia.”
RFK Jr. to unveil new guidance encouraging more saturated fats
This amendment is one of 17 on the ballot, with some propositions looking to reshape tax policy, education funding, infrastructure investment and more.
Since Texas adopted its current constitution in 1876, it has been amended 530 times, according to NewsNation local affiliate KXAN.
Texas early voting runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is set for Nov. 4.
