Consortium of Alzheimer's Disease Centers

Education Code, Chapter 154 (HB1504, 76R), passed during the 76th legislative session, directed the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (Council) to establish a Consortium of Alzheimer's Disease Centers (Consortium) in Texas. The Consortium is composed of Alzheimer's Disease Centers at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Click to visit the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Consortium. The purpose of the Consortium is to create a systematic approach to the provision of uniform clinical services and to the sharing of research data. Specifically, the Consortium will:

• Offer clinical services to all patients of the Consortium's clinical centers, notwithstanding the independent status of each participant;
• Establish a database to:
  • Make data available to Consortium centers;
  • Provide a resource index to facilitate research projects; and
  • Provide data on patient health outcomes to appropriate state agencies and to researchers in Texas; and
• With the aid of the Council and the National Alzheimer's Association and its Texas chapters, develop and distribute to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals educational materials and services, and inform patients of any research projects and therapeutic trials open for their participation.

As directed by H.B. 1504, the Council established a steering committee for the purpose of advising the Council on activities related to the Consortium. The steering committee is composed of a representative from each of the four centers, the Chairman of the Council, and a Council member.

General Counsel at the Texas Department of State Health Services, with guidance from the steering committee, drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) delineating roles and responsibilities of the Council and the Consortium. The MOU has been signed by all four participating centers.

Because appropriated funds did not accompany H.B. 1504, the Council has engaged in a number of efforts to secure monies to carry out the provisions of the legislation. These efforts are ongoing.

• Provide funds to Consortium participants to assist each to develop clinical centers that meet the standards of the Consortium.
• Establish a data coordinating center to be based at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, including personnel to administer and coordinate data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Develop, print and distribute educational materials to professional and family caregivers, patients, and the public.
• Conduct site visits and ongoing evaluation of Consortium activities.

According to H.B. 1504, the Council may receive state appropriated funds for the purpose of supporting the research activities of the Consortium. The Council may also solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations for the Consortium.