The 91猎奇 (UH) Division of Research has selected four innovative research proposals to receive seed funding for team building and proposal development targeting the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).
Launched in May 2025, the seed funding initiative supports UH faculty in crafting competitive proposals for the state鈥檚 new initiative to accelerate dementia research and prevention. Each winning team will receive funding to refine their proposals, which foster innovative approaches to address the growing dementia crisis that affects around half a million Texans.
Modeled on the successful CPRIT program, DPRIT aims to position Texas as a leader in dementia-related research and innovation. The initiative is backed by a proposed $3 billion from state general revenue over 10 years, with up to $300 million allocated annually. Funding is contingent on voter approval of a constitutional amendment (Proposition 14) in the November 2025 election.
鈥淯H is committed to addressing real-world problems through transformative research,鈥� said Claudia Neuhauser, vice president for research. 鈥淲e are excited to support faculty efforts to compete for DPRIT funding and contribute to Texas鈥檚 commitment to innovation in dementia research.鈥�
Winning Proposals
- Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias Initiative
- Principal Investigator: Jiukuan Hao, College of Pharmacy
- Project Summary: Multidisciplinary effort focused on generating robust preliminary data and collaborative research proposals to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias.
- Dementia Translational Science Research Initiative
- Principal Investigator: Rajender Aparasu, College of Pharmacy
- Project Summary: Collaborative research initiative focused on uncovering biological mechanisms, identifying modifiable risk factors, and developing effective therapeutic and care strategies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals affected by dementia.
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience and Dementia
- Principal Investigator: Jok奴bas 沤iburkus, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Project Summary: Crossdisciplinary institute that will support teams targeting DPRIT and related research funding and organize an interactive symposium along with a series of seminars featuring preeminent researchers in fields relevant to dementia research.
- Smoking Cessation Initiative for Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults
- Principal Investigator: Michael Zvolensky, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Project Summary: Research study examining the effects of smoking cessation intervention in older adults to reduce risk of dementia and cognitive decline.