Record funding for Alzheimer's and related dementias was announced Thursday by Governor Ron DeSantis in Fort Lauderdale and the establishment of the Florida Alzheimer's Center for Excellence. Funding has increased 60 percent since DeSantis took office in 2019.

“Supporting Floridians suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia is an important part of supporting our seniors,” Governor DeSantis said. “We are working to make sure that any Floridian suffering from this terrible disease can access resources while also supporting innovative technologies that will open up doors for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients in the future.”

The Governor's Office says the Freedom First budget includes $52.3 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative Program, an increase of $12 million over the previous year. Additionally, $91.7 million is included for the Community Care for the Elderly Program, an increase of $9 million over the previous year. This program assists functionally impaired seniors to remain in the least restrictive, most suitable environment for their needs.

The Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence (FACE) will focus on enhancing the infrastructure available to support impacted seniors, families and caregivers. FACE includes innovative partnerships like the one between INSIGHTEC and a consortium of Florida universities that identify patients for the Blood Brain Barrier clinical trials for more effective treatment of Alzheimer’s.

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