For the first time ever, Pennsylvania will spend $5 million on neurodegenerative disease research, marking a major step forward for older adults, caregivers, and families across the Commonwealth.
“By making this first-ever investment in neurodegenerative disease research, we’re accelerating the search for cures, supporting families and caregivers, and building on our work to ensure older Pennsylvanians can age with dignity, independence, and hope,” said Governor Shapiro.
The funding, administered by DOH, will be distributed through competitive grants to qualifying institutions conducting research on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. Applications for the grant program are expected to open in early 2026. With world-class research institutions across the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to translate scientific discovery into earlier detection, better treatments, and ultimately cures.
“This investment continues to build on work to better understand neurodegenerative diseases and to support Pennsylvania researchers who are working tirelessly to find cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS,” said Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen.
“As Pennsylvania’s aging population continues to increase, the number of Pennsylvanians affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia-related disorders is growing too. The Department of Aging is proud to help, support and advocate for those individuals and families impacted. This crucial investment in neurodegenerative disease research will assist in finding solutions to end ADRD while elevating our Commonwealth to become a leader in this important work,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kauvlich.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a top-tier research institution recognized nationally for medical research excellence. Pitt is home to the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND), which brings together multidisciplinary teams to study Parkinson’s disease, ALS, Huntington’s disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disorders affecting brain health.
“The University of Pittsburgh is proud to lead the life sciences century at the intersection of health, AI, and tech,” said University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel. “And we sincerely appreciate Governor Shapiro’s continued leadership, as well as the General Assembly, for ensuring the Commonwealth remains at the forefront of innovative and life-changing research and breakthroughs in these areas, including in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s.”
Neurodegenerative diseases affect families in every corner of the Commonwealth. According to the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, approximately one in four Americans is expected to experience a neurodegenerative disease in their lifetime. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 282,000 residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and over 1,000 Pennsylvanians have ALS.
