Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 20, for the November elections, and one proposed constitutional amendment could have a major impact on Texas families.

Proposition 14, if approved by voters, would allocate $3 billion from the state’s general revenue to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The funding would support the institute for the next decade, with a mission to advance treatment, prevention, and research into dementia-related diseases.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Texas currently ranks third in the nation for dementia cases and second in deaths related to the disease. More than 450,000 older Texans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to 2020 data. That’s about 12% of the state’s 65-and-older population.

“This is really a health crisis,” said Kimberly Knight, who leads the Caregiver Support Program at nonprofit The Senior Source in Dallas. “Proposition 14 is coming at a, I think, very pivotal time where we’re seeing so many people who have been diagnosed with dementia and caregivers that are caring for them.”

Knight is a certified dementia practitioner and trainer. She says the nonprofit works directly with families impacted by dementia, offering care planning, emotional support, and other resources tailored to their needs.

“Currently we have about 1.1 million caregivers in our state alone,” Knight said. “Even though that number is large now, it is expected to soar in the years to come. And so The Senior Source sees the need for the investment in dementia research.”

Supporters say the proposed institute would be modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas in Austin, which has become the second-largest public funder of cancer research in the country and has lead to medical breakthroughs. They believe the dementia institute, which would be established in Houston, could similarly attract top researchers and medical providers to Texas.

“It puts us at the forefront for medical breakthroughs in dementia prevention and treatment,” Knight said. “And that’s exactly what we need. We need a cure for this disease.”

The measure has received bipartisan support, including from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who helped push the legislation through the Texas Legislature earlier this year. Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill to place Proposition 14 on the ballot.

However, some officials, such as Rep. Brian Harrison of Midlothian, have raised concerns about the cost.

Knight believes the investment is worth it.

“When you think about it, a similar thing was done for cancer here and there were some breakthroughs and treatment methods that came through. We’re hoping to see the same for dementia,” she said. “It’s rare to have a hub like this. And so this is really kind of a once in a lifetime, a generational changing decision.”

If passed, experts say the institute could position Texas as a national leader in dementia research and innovation.

“There are more people that we know that has a loved one with dementia than families that do not. Dementia doesn’t look at race, age, socioeconomic status. None of those things matter,” said Knight.

Early voting runs through Friday Oct. 31, and Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4. Click here for a voter guide by NBC 5.

AWARENESS EVENTS

The vote comes as Alzheimer’s Awareness and National Family Caregivers Month takes place in November.

In recognition, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event takes place on Nov. 1 at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.

The Senior Source is also hosting a Caregiver Conference and Resource Fair on Nov. 15 at Community Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Hill. For more details, click here.

For more information about The Senior Source, click here.