Texas Voters Pass Amendment 14, Creating:
Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Over the past year, Alzheimer's Texas and the Darrell K Royal Research Fund advanced their shared mission through a steady focus on education, advocacy, and engagement across Texas. From early conversations and learning opportunities to sustained legislative outreach, the work centered on supporting Texans impacted by Alzheimer's disease and strengthening long-term investment in research and care.
That momentum began with the January 2025 Symposium, continued through advocacy efforts at the Capitol, and culminated in the Darrell K Royal Research Fund Luncheon in October. Featuring remarks from Dr. Hunt Batjer and Mike Singletary, the luncheon served as a pivotal moment ahead of a critical legislative decision. In November, that collective effort resulted in the successful passage of Amendment 14, securing continued funding for the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) and reinforcing Texas' commitment to advancing dementia research.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Alzheimer's Texas and DKR Fund board members, volunteers, and partners whose steadfast dedication guided our efforts over the past year and helped build the momentum that carried us forward. We are especially grateful for the advocates, caregivers, clinicians, and supporters who stand with us in the fight against dementia. Statewide support strengthens this community and fuels the progress that makes a real difference for Texas families every day.
Alzheimer's Texas | Leading the Conversation
Mike Singletary + Dr. Hunt Batjer, PhD
Event Recap
Alzheimer’s Texas and the DKR Fund welcomed supporters, caregivers, clinicians, and community leaders to Westwood Country Club on October 25th for the Leading the Conversation luncheon. The event brought the community together for an afternoon of connection, thoughtful dialogue, and a deeper look at the future of brain health in Texas.
The gathering centred on a compelling conversation between Mike Singletary, NFL Hall of Famer and longtime advocate for families facing memory challenges, and Dr. Hunt Batjer, an internationally respected neurosurgeon and leader in brain health and prevention science. Together, their discussion blended lived experience with scientific insight, creating an eye-opening and engaging dialogue that resonated with both attendees and those following our work statewide. It reinforced why advancing prevention, supporting caregivers, and strengthening research infrastructure remain at the core of our mission.
The next Leading the Conversation luncheon will occur in late spring 2026, featuring Dr. Laura DeFina, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, CEO of the Cooper Clinic, and a published expert on health, fitness, and the heart brain connection in aging.
Leading the Conversation Speaker Series
A Dialogue on Alzheimer's & Dementia
Watch a replay of "A Dialogue on Alzheimer's & Dementia: How Much Forgetfulness Is Too Much?" featuring Ron Peterson, PhD, MD, Director of the Mayo Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Director of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. January, 22nd, 2025.
Dear Darrell K Royal Fund Members,
Today, we celebrate the 100th birthday of Darrell K Royal, a hardscrabble kid from Hollis, Oklahoma, who rose from poverty and a meager job shining shoes to attain iconic status as one of the best football coaches in history. According to Mack Brown, "he might have been the best coach ever in any sport, not just college football."
In celebration of Coach’s centennial birthday, the DKR Fund is launching the 100 Years of DKR video series campaign on the organization’s social media platforms. This video series will honor and preserve the legacy of Coach Royal, who achieved a 167-47-5 record, sixteen bowl victories, and eleven Southwest Conference titles at UT.
We will dedicate the next year to celebrating Coach Royal’s legacy through the lens of 100 individuals who knew or have been impacted by him. This effort aims to raise awareness of the DKR Fund and highlight how Darrell K Royal’s legendary status continues to impact lives today. We hope you share our pride in this effort and join us in celebrating Coach’s 100th birthday by sharing a 30 to 60-second video about the impact of his legacy and how it continues to live on each day.
If you are interested in participating in the video series, please follow these instructions, then contact Lesley Ford at [email protected]. Feel free to share multiple videos with our team to select the best quality to showcase on the DKR Fund social media platforms. Please send all videos to Lesley or contact her directly with questions at 512.363.5160.
Best regards,
The Darrell K Royal Research Fund
Has Coach Royal impacted your life? Do you have a special memory you would like to share?
If you are interested in participating in the video series, please follow these instructions to record your video and share it with our team.
The DKR Fund represents a Texas coach and a universal cause. We aim to be a game-changer in funding innovative research and novel approaches to AD and related disorders research as we strive to support hope for those affected.
On behalf of Mrs. Royal, our directors, and our funded research scientists at Texas' finest medical schools and universities, we thank you for your support and wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.
DKR Fund Grant Award Recipients
University of Texas System Brain Health Symposium 2022
University of Texas at Austin – 3 awards
University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Edith T. Royal Caregiver Award Dean's Office
University of Texas at Dallas – 3 awards
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
UT Southwestern Medical Center – 6 awards
Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute CLEAATS Study of Aging Amateur Athletes
Baylor College of Medicine
UT Southwestern Medical School and The Darrell K Royal Research Fund have partnered together to present CLEAATS, a Texas-wide investigation designed to advance knowledge of collegiate sports participation and sport-related concussion in relation to current brain wellness.
If you are age 50 or older and played an NCAA or NAIA sport for at least one season in college, we want to hear from you!
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