California Alzheimer’s groups back Proposition 38 for research funding

Leading California Alzheimer’s and dementia organizations endorsed Proposition 38, a November ballot measure that would direct $8.4 billion to immunology research aimed at preventing and treating Alzheimer’s, cancer and other diseases. Supporters say the proposal could speed clinical trials, expand collaboration and help California lead in finding cures.

Why it matters: - Nearly 720,000 Californians are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, more than in any other state. - Proposition 38 would create a new funding stream for research that could help prevent, slow, stop or cure Alzheimer’s and other diseases. - Supporters say the measure could keep clinical trials moving even as federal research funding remains uncertain.

What happened: - Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Alzheimer’s San Diego and Alzheimer’s Association/AIM endorsed YES on Proposition 38 on California’s November ballot. - The measure, called the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative, would provide $8.4 billion for immunology medical research. - More than 50 patient advocacy, medical and research organizations back the proposal.

The details: - Half of the $8.4 billion would fund competitive grants at California universities and nonprofit research institutions. - The other half would support a nonprofit immunology institute affiliated with the University of California. - The California Department of Public Health would choose an eligible institute under strict criteria. - Prop 38 requires grantees to collaborate so discoveries, expertise and best practices can move across institutions. - The measure focuses on immunology research aimed at diseases including Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease. - Current FDA-approved treatments can slow progression for some people with early Alzheimer’s, but do not stop or cure the disease. - Immunology research is being studied as a way to identify and clear amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer’s. - Immunotherapies already are used to treat melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. - Prop 38 includes a requirement that 10% of licensing proceeds from immunotherapies be returned to California to offset costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed under the measure would be available to California patients at a 20% discount. - The proposal caps state administrative expenses at 2%. - Prop 38 requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding.

Between the lines: - The endorsement from major Alzheimer’s groups gives the measure a clear patient-advocacy push in a state with the nation’s largest dementia population. - The structure suggests an attempt to pair open-ended research funding with oversight and cost recovery to make the proposal more politically durable. - Leaders backing the measure are framing it as a response to both urgent family needs and slow-moving federal funding decisions.

What’s next: - Californians will vote on Proposition 38 in the November election. - Supporters are urging a YES vote and directing voters to more information. - If approved, the measure would launch the statewide grant network and institute model described in the initiative.

The bottom line: - Proposition 38 is being pitched as a major California bet on immunology research to accelerate treatments and potential cures for Alzheimer’s and other deadly diseases.