Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker to create a joint interim committee to study the overall economic and systemic impact of Alzheimer's disease through 2017, including an inventory of public and private infrastructure and capacity and funds and systems to support and expand statewide planning and the activities of the Texas Alzheimer's Research Consortium.
The resolution indicates a legislative acknowledgment of the increasing burden Alzheimer’s disease imposes on Texas citizens and the economy. It underscores the need for strategic planning and resource allocation to address public health challenges and the impact of caregiving. The proposed committee would aim to conduct a comprehensive inventory of both public and private existing infrastructure and capabilities dedicated to combating AD. By identifying funding and systems capable of sustaining ongoing efforts, Texas could improve its response to the crisis resulting from AD's rising prevalence and mortality rates.
House Resolution 1978 requests the establishment of a joint interim committee by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House of Representatives to study the overall economic and systemic impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through the year 2017. The resolution outlines the serious implications of AD, noting its status as a progressive and irreversible brain disorder significantly affecting many individuals and families, and recognizes the economic burden it poses, exceeding $182 billion annually in the United States. With approximately 340,000 Texans affected, the resolution highlights Texas's critical need for enhanced infrastructure to address the challenges posed by this disease.
While the resolution presents a proactive approach for dealing with Alzheimer's disease, it might potentially raise concerns about the allocation of state resources towards the identified needs. Debate may center around how effectively these resources can be directed to effectively combat the disease and support research initiatives. Additionally, there may be discussions about the participation of various stakeholders, particularly in ensuring that both state and private efforts are adequately synchronized to tackle the growing challenge of Alzheimer's.