Harrisburg, PA ─ The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is marking a major victory for older adults and caregivers across the Commonwealth with a $5 million investment in neurodegenerative disease research secured by Governor Josh Shapiro in the 2025-26 budget signed into law last week.
Pennsylvania is home to some of the top research institutions in the world, and this $5 million investment will help the Commonwealth become a leader in neurodegenerative research. The funding will be distributed in grants to qualifying institutions performing research on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s.
“This investment continues to build on the Shapiro Administration’s work to provide necessary resources to better understand neurodegenerative diseases and support Pennsylvania researchers to find cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Far too many Pennsylvanians, including myself, know how hard it is when our loved ones are diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders, and the stress it places on families and caregivers. The Department is grateful for the leadership of Rep. Kyle Mullins in championing this legislation and to Governor Shapiro for ensuring it was included in the final 2025-26 budget.”
Prioritizing Pennsylvanians affected by neurodegenerative diseases continues to be a focus for the Shapiro Administration, as this investment follows the creation of the first-ever Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Division at the Department of Aging last year.
“The Department of Aging is grateful to Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly for this significant investment in critical scientific efforts to drive progress and hope for families and those living with brain diseases. Last year our Office of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders was created and this year we continue growth in this space through these new funds,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “As the Commonwealth’s leader on this important work, we look forward to collaborating with our many state and community partners to provide more supports and see better outcomes for Pennsylvanians facing ADRD.”
You can find more information about the Department of Health here.
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