News Summary
Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a groundbreaking $5 million investment dedicated to research on neurodegenerative diseases in Pennsylvania. This funding is the first of its kind in the state’s budget, aimed at accelerating efforts to combat conditions like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the funding will be distributed through competitive grants to research institutions statewide. This initiative highlights a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by these diseases, particularly as the state’s aging population continues to grow.
Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania Designates Historic $5 Million for Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced a landmark $5 million investment in state-funded research aimed at combating neurodegenerative diseases. This significant funding, the first-ever dedicated allocation for this purpose in Pennsylvania’s budget, was highlighted during a visit to the University of Pittsburgh on Friday, December 19, 2025. The initiative is set to accelerate the search for cures, support innovative research, and bolster the state’s capacity to address conditions like Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease.
Advancing Critical Research and Supporting the Commonwealth
The $5 million investment, secured in the 2025-2026 state budget, underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to tackling the growing impact of neurodegenerative diseases on its population. These progressive conditions involve the gradual death of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, leading to severe impairments. The funding will be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health through competitive grants, allowing qualifying institutions across the state to apply for resources to advance their research. The application window for these grants is expected to open early next year.
During the announcement at the University of Pittsburgh’s Biomedical Science Tower 3 in Oakland, Governor Shapiro was joined by State Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel, and prominent neurobiology researcher Chris Donnelly. The collaboration between state government and leading academic institutions like the University of Pittsburgh is crucial for fostering scientific discovery and innovation in this critical field. The funding is also expected to support the training of the next generation of scientists and clinicians dedicated to understanding and treating these complex disorders.
Addressing a Growing Public Health Challenge
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a substantial public health challenge, particularly as the population ages. In Pennsylvania, more than 280,000 individuals aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease alone. The state is home to 3.4 million older adults, representing the fifth-largest older adult population nationwide. This demographic trend highlights the urgent need for dedicated research and improved care strategies. Nationally, the number of Americans aged 65 and older affected by Alzheimer’s disease is estimated at approximately 6.5 million, with projections indicating that this figure could surpass 7 million. Furthermore, ALS cases are projected to rise by as much as 25% by 2040, and Alzheimer’s disease cases could potentially double over the next 25 years.
The new investment builds upon previous state efforts to support those affected by these conditions. Last year, the administration established the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders office within the state’s Department of Aging. This office plays a vital role in coordinating services, advancing planning, and strengthening support systems for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers across the Commonwealth.
The legislative effort to secure this funding was notably spearheaded by State Representative Kyle Mullins, whose personal experience with the loss of his father to ALS provided a powerful motivation for his advocacy. His commitment, alongside bipartisan support, was instrumental in establishing this first-ever dedicated research fund, marking a significant step forward for families and caregivers impacted by neurodegenerative diseases throughout Pennsylvania. This strategic investment aims to foster breakthroughs that will ultimately lead to better treatments and, hopefully, cures for these devastating illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the amount designated for neurodegenerative disease research in Pennsylvania?
- Governor Josh Shapiro designated a $5 million investment for state-funded research to tackle neurodegenerative diseases.
- When was this funding announced?
- The funding was highlighted during an event at the University of Pittsburgh on Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Which institution was a key focus for this announcement?
- The University of Pittsburgh was chosen as a key focus for the announcement of this funding.
- What types of diseases will this funding target?
- The funding will target research on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders.
- How will the funding be distributed?
- The funding will be distributed through competitive grants to qualifying institutions conducting research on neurodegenerative diseases.
- What is the significance of this funding for Pennsylvania?
- This is the first-ever dedicated funding for neurodegenerative disease research in Pennsylvania’s state budget.
- How many Pennsylvanians are affected by Alzheimer’s disease?
- More than 280,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
- How many older adults reside in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is home to 3.4 million older adults, making it the fifth-largest older adult population in the nation.
Key Features of Pennsylvania’s Neurodegenerative Disease Research Investment
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $5 million | State-level |
| Purpose of Funding | Research on neurodegenerative diseases to advance scientific discovery and find cures. | State-level |
| Recipient Type | Qualifying institutions (e.g., University of Pittsburgh) via competitive grants. | State-level |
| Administering Body | Pennsylvania Department of Health | State-level |
| Key Diseases Targeted | Alzheimer’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. | Nationwide |
| Significance | First-ever dedicated state funding for neurodegenerative disease research. | State-level |
| Affected Population (PA) | More than 280,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s. | State-level |
| Older Adult Population (PA) | 3.4 million older adults (fifth-largest in the nation). | State-level |
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