The Translational Health Research Center (THRC) at Texas State University has officially launched the Brain Health Community Collaborative, a free virtual learning series that brings together researchers, community organizations, and healthcare stakeholders focused on healthy aging and dementia to advance community-driven research across Texas.
The collaborative convenes community organizations, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and funders in a shared virtual space focused on improving brain health outcomes and accelerating dementia prevention efforts statewide. Session one, held March 3, marked a strong start for the initiative, drawing 133 participants representing at least 74 different organizations.
Session two, scheduled for April 7, will focus on the social determinants of healthy aging and practical strategies to advance dementia prevention initiatives across the state. Those interested in strengthening brain health across Texas can learn more or register for free on the series webpage.
“From the perspective of the Alzheimer’s Association, Texas isn’t starting from scratch. There’s amazing work already happening across our state,” said Melissa Sanchez, Texas Senior Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association. “But we do have to be intentional about building bridges, not more silos.”
The collaborative comes at a critical time for the state. In 2020, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that approximately 460,000 Texans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease; a number projected to rise significantly in the coming years. Addressing this growing need requires more than isolated efforts. It calls for coordinated interdisciplinary action grounded in community priorities.
During the kickoff session, participants explored current Texas priorities in healthy aging, emerging funding opportunities including those through the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), and strategies for developing competitive, community-driven research proposals. THRC leaders also introduced their approach to collaborative, interdisciplinary research partnerships that prioritize community-driven research, create sustainable solutions for unmet health needs, and support projects that cut across disciplines.
Speakers included representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), alongside THRC leadership. A central theme throughout the discussion was the importance of strengthening collaboration across organizations already working to advance brain health in Texas.