The Darrell K. Royal Fund for Alzheimer's Research represents the commitment to excellence in Research and Care for Texans to attempt to cure Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in our lifetimes, to expand research into Mild cognitive Impairment (MCI) and to expand the paradigms of care and access for Texans enabling exposure to preventative and treatment strategies aimed at combatting the epidemic of AD.

Research

First and foremost, Texas is uniquely situated to contribute on a national scale and conduct cutting-edge research into AD. The demographic distributions of Texans enable our scientists to study AD in populations of Texans, including those of Mexican American descent and residing in rural communities. These populations are otherwise unobtainable anywhere else, either nationally or in the world. To have an organized and significant vehicle funding collaborative research and sharing information positions Texas for the rapid acquisition and dissemination of research into what truly affects Texans - - its healthcare systems, its environment, and its social support systems - - is rare and extremely valuable as a flexible and mobile research capacity for the State. Increasing Texas' ability to enhance our infrastructural programs, and to create a means of coordination with investigators statewide would be an act with foresight and a prudent investment in the State's future, given that AD will, if not already, become the #1 public health issue not only for older Texans, but for their families and social systems, in the years to come.

While we must ensure continued support for existing programs and efforts, we must also capitalize upon investments made to date. State funding has thus far enabled Texas to create a unique and tremendously valuable resource for the study of Alzheimer's disease. Over the past six years, Texas scientists through the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium have employed state funds to create the Harris Alzheimer's Research Study, which thus far has enrolled 2000 participants. Over 1500 of these participants are actively enrolled in the study and one third of the participants are Hispanic. A central database and tissue bank have been built using information and blood samples collected from TARCC participants; these resources contain rich and detailed cognitive data, as well as samples of serum, plasma, whole blood and DNA. These data and biological samples generated by the Consortium are a resource that is fueling a large number of diverse and important research projects across the state. However, there are a number of additional programs that would enhance Texas' ability to combat Alzheimer's disease in Texas and make full use of the state's investment to date. The first of these is a Pilot Grant program, aimed primarily toward junior Texas-based Alzheimer's researchers. Applicants must have an appointment at a Texas University or Research Institution and have a research focus on aging or dementia. The newest, cutting-edge research ideas typically come from early stage investigators. A pilot grant program would recruit the best and brightest of the young investigators in Texas to our AD research efforts. This program would also be of tremendous benefit to and fill a crucial gap in the development of junior investigators. Funding collaborative pilot projects would enable the generation of preliminary data, which is necessary for obtaining extramural funding. Current extramural funding levels risk discouraging potential investigators from research itself, or AD-related research careers. We should specifically seek out and encourage young Texas based AD researchers and especially Hispanics, if possible.

There are also two capabilities that have long been desired by Texas scientists, but were never formally proposed due to perceived funding constraints. Brain imaging in at least a subset of Harris Study participants, including controls and MCIs would provide a direct link between discoveries (such as the blood-based screener for Alzheimer's disease) and accepted markers for disease severity. This link would be an invaluable tool for helping move TARCC discoveries into clinical practice. Another capability that would be a tremendous resource to the Consortium would be a neuropathological core, which would perform autopsies to confirm the diagnosis and quantify the features of Alzheimer's as well as additional dementia-inducing pathologies.

Care

Second, whereas simultaneous research into the causation and cure for AD will occupy the core researchers, perhaps the largest next horizon for the State to address is that of finite resources and how to provide care to those affected by AD, either directly or within their social structures. This area is where investment in the future of Texas may yield great dividends, to address the literally millions of Texans who presently are, or who will be diagnosed with AD in the near future. The state is at a critical threshold, where it must either proactively create evidence-based programs, policies, and roadmaps for care direction and distribution, or possibly miss an opportune moment to provide order for its care environments. This may be the greatest aspect and at the same time challenge for Texas going forward, to inclusively involve related organizations and groups into care systems and networks statewide to maintain health and well-being for all Texans.

Going forward, DKR Fund can act as a nexus for Alzheimer's disease research in Texas, where both clinical and basic researchers would have access to resources. The information system created by such collaboration would flow in both directions, from bench to bedside and back; simultaneously helping move bench discoveries into the clinic, as well as helping to direct and drive basic research. Texas could set the standard for the care of Alzheimer's patients and their families continue world-class translational research into the causes and treatment for Alzheimer's as well as be an invaluable educational resource to patients, caregivers, physicians and the public.

In pursuit of our mission to establish Texas as a global research leader in AD, related dementias including those that are the outcome of traumatic brain injury, the DKR Fund will solicit and fund collaborative research projects that:

• Includes at least one Texas based applicant as part of the research team
• Includes a clinical component with at least one Texas based partner/applicant
• Displays novel innovations in the methods of proposed collaboration

The formal funding application process will be announced January 15, 2013.

The Legacy

"The sad fact is that most everyone in our state is touched by this disease and the Darrell Royal family is no exception," says Edith Royal. "The DKR Research Fund represents a commitment to excellence in Alzheimer's research and care for Texans, the nation and the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to create this legacy for my husband, and for the incredible group of prominent Texans who want to join us in this endeavor."

The DKR Research Fund will not only honor a revered football legend, but also the man that wanted to do all he could to eradicate this terrible disease in our lifetimes.