In July 2007, the Alzheimer’s Study Group was established under the auspices of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease and was charged with creating a National Alzheimer’s Strategic Plan to address the “looming crisis” of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. In March 2009, the group released its report, “A National Alzheimer’s Strategic Plan: The Report of the Alzheimer’s Study Group.” This report was the first national account of its kind, and provided core recommendations for addressing the current and future burden of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Similarly, the development of a plan to advance statewide, coordinated action to address Alzheimer’s disease in Texas became paramount as the prevalence of the disease continues to climb, exacting huge human and economic burdens on Texas citizens and resources. In March 2009, the Texas Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Alzheimer’s Disease Program began formal discussions around the development of a first, coordinated Texas state plan on Alzheimer’s disease.

A steering committee was formed, comprised of distinguished leaders and professionals working in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. The committee was charged with identifying priority goal areas for the plan, while taking into account the recommendations of the Alzheimer’s Study Group and the unique issues facing Texas. Five goals were identified as essential plan elements. These goals are believed to represent a comprehensive approach to addressing Alzheimer’s disease in Texas: Science, Prevention and Brain Health, Disease Management, Caregiving, and Infrastructure. Each goal within this plan contains targeted actions that we as a state need to take to comprehensively address Alzheimer’s disease. 

To garner statewide input for plan development, partners were recruited, and the Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Partnership was officially formed - its first meeting was held in Austin, Texas, in June 2009. The partnership is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds from state, local and community level organizations; academic and research institutions; for-profit and non-profit sectors; businesses; and the healthcare sector. The rich and varied experiences of the partnership members provided the synergy and expertise that created a strategic blue-print for formulating and implementing a comprehensive and coordinated statewide plan.

It was determined that the scope and range of this process was sufficiently large enough to call for the development of five committees that would address an assigned goal and/or field of focus. Each of the five Alzheimer’s Association chapters in Texas were invited and agreed to chair and guide the actions of an assigned committee. The committees met on an ongoing basis to further refine the objectives and strategies of their respective goals. Through their efforts, a myriad of voices and perspectives were incorporated into the process and laid the foundation for a working framework of informed and knowledgeable stakeholders.

This plan was designed to provide an overview of the state of Alzheimer’s disease in Texas, while providing realistic and thoroughly achievable actions and strategies that can be implemented over the next five years. The plan makes a compelling case for increased and coordinated action and provides a clear roadmap for activities that call for coordination among all partners. It is hoped that this plan will benefit Texans by guiding statewide and coordinated efforts to reduce the burden of this disease on Texas citizens and those who care for them. Some strategic efforts will be coordinated at the state level, but others can only be effectively coordinated at the local or organizational level. The success of this plan depends on all partners in all sectors and at all levels working collaboratively to achieve what one cannot accomplish alone. To read more about the 2010-2015 Texas State Plan, please click here to visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

TARC Studying Impact of Alzheimer's on Hispanics

The Texas Alzheimer's Research Consortium (TARC) is embarking on a new research focus on the impact of Alzheimer's disease on Hispanics and is adding a new partner institution -- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio -- to extend its research reach to South Texas.

The 81st Legislature authorized $12.75 million to fund the Consortium's work from 2005-2011.  This funding will allow the TARC's five research institutions to expand their investigations into the genetic and blood biomarker links between Alzheimer's and inflammation, cardiovascular disease, homocysteine levels and diabetes.  Hispanics' high incidence of heart disease and diabetes place them at high risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who retired from the U.S. Supreme Court to care for her husband with Alzheimer's disease, praised Texas' leadership in Alzheimer's research during a state Capitol visit in April.  Honored with a special Senate resolution, Justice O'Connor challenged the State and nation to pursue Alzheimer's breakthroughs with the same intensity that succeeded in curtailing polio and TB in the 1950s. Read More

How to Volunteer for TARC Research

Dr. Sid O'Bryant, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Listen to Dr. O'Bryant as he comments on his blood test that could help millions confirm & fight Alzheimer's disease - the topic of Scott Crowder's national broadcast on NewsRadio 740-KTRH, Houston. To read the full story, please click here.