By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – FEB. 03, 2026 – As Texas launches a historic $3 billion investment to combat dementia, one of the state's most affected regions is helping shape what that future could look like.

With dementia rates climbing fastest in South Texas compared to the national rates, Valley-based research is poised to influence how Texas spends billions to address one of its most urgent public health challenges.

Dr. Gladys Maestre – director of the UTRGV Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research, professor of neuroscience at the UTRGV School of Medicine, and a recognized leader in dementia research – was invited to participate in a Texas Tribune conversation examining how the state's new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) could transform care, prevention and support for people living with dementia.

The Jan. 21 discussion, titled "Understanding Texas’ Big Investment in Dementia Research," brought together researchers, advocates and policymakers to explore how the unprecedented funding could position Texas as a national leader in dementia research.

For Maestre, the conversation also was about ensuring that communities with the greatest burden – including the Rio Grande Valley – are not left behind.

The Valley has one of the highest dementia rates in the state, nearly double the national average, driven by a convergence of risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, limited access to care and environmental stressors. Maestre emphasizes that any statewide strategy must reflect those realities.

"Research cannot happen in isolation," Maestre said during the discussion. "If we want prevention to work, it has to be grounded in the communities most affected and informed by their lived experiences."

Texas voters approved DPRIT through a constitutional amendment in November, unlocking $3 billion over the next decade to support dementia research, prevention and care innovation. While the initiative represents a major scientific investment, Maestre said, its success will depend on how sound research translates into earlier detection, culturally informed care and community-based prevention strategies.

EQUITY, ACCESS AND HOPE

At UTRGV, Maestre leads nationally funded research focused on minority aging, early detection, and dementia prevention, working closely with families, clinics and community partners across South Texas. Her work bridges neuroscience, genetics and public health, placing UTRGV at the intersection of research and real-world impact.

The Texas Tribune discussion highlighted the importance of institutions like UTRGV in shaping how DPRIT is implemented statewide — particularly in regions where dementia is already a daily reality for many families.

"As Texas builds this new research infrastructure, the voices of communities like the Rio Grande Valley must be part of the solution," Maestre said. "This is about science. But it also is about equity, access and hope."