Florida Surgeon General and state officials announce millions in Alzheimer’s research grants aimed at improving treatment and early detection outcomes

Gainesville, Florida – Florida officials have announced a new round of funding aimed at accelerating Alzheimer’s research across the state, with more than $4.2 million awarded to scientists and institutions working on early detection, treatment development, and a deeper understanding of how the disease progresses.

The announcement was made by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo alongside Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham during a visit tied to the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program at the University of Florida. The program continues to serve as one of the state’s key research investments focused on neurodegenerative disease.

This latest funding cycle supports work at eight institutions across Florida, including major hospitals, universities, and medical research centers. State leaders emphasized that the goal is not only to advance scientific discovery, but also to improve real-world outcomes for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is making strategic investments to lead the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. These investments are driving real progress in understanding this complex disease,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “By supporting leading institutions and top researchers across the state, we are accelerating innovation, improving health outcomes, and delivering results for patients and families. Florida is shaping the future of Alzheimer’s research.”

Officials said the scale of the disease continues to make it a major public health challenge, especially as the population ages. That reality has pushed Florida to expand funding efforts and strengthen partnerships with research institutions that can test new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Secretary Michelle Branham highlighted the human side of the issue, pointing to the families who live daily with the effects of Alzheimer’s.

“Our agency has the privilege of walking alongside families across Florida, and we hear, day after day, the profound challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Their stories are not just heard – they are carried with us, shaping our resolve and deepening our commitment to lead with purpose,” said Secretary Michelle Branham. “Through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program, Florida is advancing bold, cutting-edge research that moves us closer to answers. The work of these recipients is more than discovery – it is a source of real hope, lighting the path toward a future where fewer families face this journey alone.”

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The newly awarded Fiscal Year 2025-26 grants are distributed across a wide network of research teams. Institutions receiving funding include Baptist Health Jacksonville, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, University of Miami, Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida, University of Central Florida, AdventHealth Orlando, and Florida Atlantic University.

At Baptist Health Jacksonville, researchers led by Dr. Ricardo Hanel are receiving $350,000 to support their work. The University of Florida itself will receive nearly $550,000 spread across three separate projects led by Dr. Hanel, Dr. Franchesca Arias, and Dr. Yonghui Wu.

The Mayo Clinic Jacksonville is one of the largest recipients in this cycle, with nearly $1.5 million allocated across five research projects. That funding will support multiple investigators, including Dr. Wilfried O. Rossoll, Dr. Aria Yslas, Dr. Wolfdieter Springer, Dr. Fabienne Fiesel, and Dr. Lea Tenenholz Grinberg.

Other grants include nearly $700,000 for the University of Miami across two projects led by Dr. Anthony Griswold and Dr. Rosie Curiel Cid, as well as nearly $350,000 for Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida under the direction of Dr. Ranjan Duara.

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At the University of Central Florida, two research teams led by Dr. Nicole Dawson and Dr. Kiminobu Sugaya will share nearly $450,000. AdventHealth Orlando, led by Dr. Kirk Erickson, is receiving $350,000, while Florida Atlantic University, under Dr. Ruth Tappen, is receiving $250,000.

Officials also noted that both AdventHealth Orlando and Baptist Health Jacksonville are first-time recipients of funding through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program, marking an expansion of the state’s research network.

Since its launch, the program has become a major pillar of Florida’s scientific investment strategy. State records show that since 2018, Florida has invested more than $35 million into Alzheimer’s research, supporting 164 research projects, 126 researchers, and 13 institutions across the state.

The program covers a wide range of focus areas, including early detection methods, development of new therapies, research into how neurodegeneration occurs, and studies examining conditions that may accelerate or influence Alzheimer’s progression.

These efforts, officials say, are designed to move beyond theory and into practical solutions that can be applied in clinical settings. The hope is that continued investment will lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and ultimately improved quality of life for patients and caregivers.

As Florida continues to expand its research footprint, state leaders say the goal remains consistent: strengthen scientific collaboration, support innovation, and position the state as a national leader in Alzheimer’s research and public health advancement.