“Texas Is Betting Big on the Brain — and Rare-Neurological Families Stand to Gain”
Read time: 4 minutes
✉️ Editor’s Note
I drive 6 hours round trip drive to see my neurologist. It’s brutal, but the care I get is unmatched. Travel time is just a part of the burden that takes a huge toll on all of us. I can still drive but for those who can’t every mile matters. We’ve got a big state so read on and drive less. Get educated, get informed and be a part.
This may help us all if we get one of the largest state investments in brain-health history. On November 4, 2025, voters will decide whether to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) — a $3 billion, 10-year research fund modeled after the state’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute (CPRIT).
Yes, much of the attention is on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But the ripple effect could reach far deeper into the world of rare and immune-related nerve diseases such as CIDP (my all time favorite), GBS, myasthenias, and dystonias.
For our community, that means:
More Texas-based clinical trials instead of long travel days to other states.
Shared research networks linking neurologists in Houston, Austin and Dallas.
Funding for early-stage projects in neuro-immune repair and demyelination.
Public-health grants for caregiver education and rural access to specialists.
That’s not just policy — that’s personal. Every Texan who has waited months for answers or driven hours for infusions knows what this could mean.
🔬 Feature Story: How DPRIT Could Change Rare Neurology
If approved, DPRIT will fund Texas labs and medical centers to study neurodegeneration and immune-nerve damage side by side. Those resources could accelerate breakthroughs for CIDP and related neuropathies through:
Expanded trial networks connecting UT Southwestern, Baylor, and UT Health Houston.
Data sharing grants so rare-neuro cases aren’t lost in larger studies.
Training fellowships for young neurologists in neuro-immune fields.
What you can do: Ask your neurologist if their center is trial-ready and aware of DPRIT planning. Mention this newsletter and share the official resources below.
Resources to watch:
Texas Legislative Reference Library – Proposition 14 overview
GBS|CIDP Foundation International – trial updates and advocacy
🏥 Clinic Watch: Texas Hubs Preparing
Early interest is already visible:
Houston: Major neuro centers discussing multi-disease trial expansions.
Austin: Community clinics planning DPRIT grant applications to add diagnostic equipment.
Rural Texas: Tele-neurology networks seeking funding to reduce travel burden for patients.
Ask your clinic if they plan to participate or partner once funds are available.
💡 CIDP Corner – Research You Can Use
New Trial: An FcRn inhibitor study is recruiting in Houston and San Antonio. Ask your doctor about eligibility.
Daily Tip: Keep a simple symptom log to track treatment patterns — many clinics now request this for data accuracy.
Why this matters: DPRIT’s funding could make these trials permanent fixtures in Texas, reducing the need for out-of-state travel.
🗣️ Community Voice
“For the first time in years, I feel like Texas might catch up to our disease.” — Central Texas caregiver
🧭 What You Can Do Now
Share this newsletter with your neurologist or infusion center.
Ask local leaders if they know about DPRIT funding opportunities.
Join the discussion on our Facebook community page.
Stay informed with weekly updates from our partner newsletter, Rarely Serious — where neurology meets humor and heart.
👉 RS teaser: “Ever wonder why your nervous system acts like Windows 95 on a good day? We did too — and we wrote about it.” Subscribe at
📚 Glossary
Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
CIDP | Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy — an autoimmune nerve disorder that damages myelin sheaths. |
DPRIT | Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas — proposed state research funding program for neurological diseases. |
CPRIT | Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas — the successful state model for research funding and infrastructure. |
FcRn Inhibitor | A class of medication that reduces harmful autoantibodies linked to CIDP activity. |
Clinical Trial | A structured research study testing new treatments for safety and effectiveness. |
⚖️ Apolitical Statement & Disclaimers
Texas NeuroRare is a nonpartisan, patient-led publication. We do not endorse any candidates or ballot positions. Our goal is to provide accurate information about policies and programs that affect rare neurological families in Texas.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This newsletter provides educational information reviewed by our medical advisory board. Content is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions. Clinical trial information is provided for educational purposes - eligibility and enrollment should be discussed with qualified medical professionals.
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