Florida awards more than $4.2 million to expand Alzheimer’s research across the state

Gainesville, Florida – Florida is deepening its investment in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, directing more than $4.2 million toward research projects aimed at improving early diagnosis, developing new treatments, and expanding scientific understanding of one of the nation’s most challenging neurological disorders.

The latest round of funding through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program was announced at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo appeared alongside Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham to unveil the recipients for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The grants will support a broad range of studies at universities, hospitals, and medical research centers across the state, reinforcing Florida’s long-term strategy of building a stronger network of Alzheimer’s innovation.

The program has become one of the state’s signature public health initiatives, bringing together researchers from different disciplines to tackle a disease that affects not only patients, but entire families and communities. This year’s investment continues that mission by backing projects that explore the mechanisms behind neurodegeneration, identify better methods for early detection, and examine factors that influence how the disease develops and progresses.

“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.”

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The newly announced grants will be distributed among eight institutions located throughout Florida, with several universities and medical centers receiving support for multiple research projects.

The largest allocation will go to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, which is set to receive nearly $1.5 million across five separate studies. The funded projects will be led by principal investigators Wilfried O. Rossoll, PhD; Aria Yslas, PhD; Wolfdieter Springer, PhD; Fabienne Fiesel, PhD; and Lea Tenenholz Grinberg, MD, PhD.

The University of Miami will receive nearly $700,000 to support two research initiatives under the direction of Anthony Griswold, PhD, and Rosie Curiel Cid, PsyD. Meanwhile, the University of Florida will receive close to $550,000 spread across three projects led by Lien Nguyen, PhD, Franchesca Arias, PhD, and Yonghui Wu, PhD.

Additional funding will support projects at the University of Central Florida, which is receiving nearly $450,000 for research led by Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD, FNAP, and Kiminobu Sugaya, PhD. Baptist Health Jacksonville and AdventHealth Orlando will each receive $350,000, while Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida will also receive nearly $350,000 for its Alzheimer’s research efforts. Florida Atlantic University rounds out this year’s recipients with a $250,000 grant supporting work under principal investigator Ruth Tappen, EdD, RN, FAAN.

This year’s funding announcement also marks an important expansion of the program itself. AdventHealth Orlando and Baptist Health Jacksonville are receiving grants from the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program for the first time, broadening the collaborative network of institutions working together to address the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease in Florida.

State leaders say that collaboration is critical as the number of people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias continues to rise. The condition not only affects memory and cognitive function, but also places significant emotional and financial burdens on caregivers and families who often spend years supporting loved ones through progressive decline.

“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 latest grants build on years of sustained investment by the state. Since 2018, Florida has directed more than $35 million toward Alzheimer’s research through the Ed and Ethel Moore program. That funding has supported 164 research projects involving 126 researchers at 13 institutions statewide, creating a broad foundation for scientific collaboration and innovation.

Researchers participating in the program have examined 23 different focus areas, reflecting the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease and the many questions that remain unanswered. These areas include the development of new therapies, methods for identifying the disease at earlier stages, the biological mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration, and the role that co-existing medical conditions may play in accelerating cognitive decline.

Officials believe that maintaining a diverse research portfolio is essential to producing breakthroughs that can ultimately improve patient outcomes. By encouraging institutions to investigate the disease from multiple angles, the state hopes to accelerate the pace of discovery while translating laboratory findings into practical advances in diagnosis, treatment, and care.

As Florida continues to invest in medical research and public health innovation, state leaders say Alzheimer’s disease remains a top priority. The newest round of grants is intended not only to support scientific progress but also to provide hope for the thousands of families across the state who live with the daily realities of the disease. Through expanded partnerships, continued funding, and a growing network of researchers, Florida is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to better understand and combat Alzheimer’s for generations to come.