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Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health (Department) announced the 2019-2020 grant awards for 22 projects, totaling $4.5 million, to support research leading to the prevention of, or cure for, Alzheimer’s Disease. Funding is provided through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program that supports research for better prevention, diagnosis, treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.

“The DeSantis administration has been diligent in supporting individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, as well as bolstering the families and communities that care for them,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez. “The Ed and Ethel Moore Research Program directs state funding to the most promising and innovative Alzheimer’s research in Florida. Every year these research grant awards offer hope to those individuals and families as we get closer to finding a cure.”

“I am pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Ed and Ethel Moore Research Program. Each institution is deserving of this award because their research will advance our understanding of this terrible disease and offer deeper insights into better prevention and treatment methods,” said Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees. “I want to thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their continued support, as well as the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Advisory Board for their expert review and recommendations for the top-tier research projects that support the Governor’s initiative to prioritize better outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.”

The research grants were awarded through a peer-reviewed, competitive process based on recommendations by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Advisory Board. Researchers at any university or research institute in Florida are eligible to apply.

The following eight institutions submitted applications that are awarded research grant funds:

• Carlos Albizu University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida State University
• Mayo Clinic Florida
• Mount Sinai Medical Center
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of South Florida

Dr. Leilani Doty, Outreach, Chair of the Florida Department of Health Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Advisory Board said, “Each year we are receiving stronger and more competitive applications to pursue studies on brain cell function and changes, clinical and treatment questions, caregiving issues, prevention, and cures. These researchers work tirelessly to address the major issues facing Alzheimer’s patients, including diversity differences and caregiver challenges. Their efforts are critical to uncover answers to stamp out Alzheimer’s disease and the Ed and Ethel Moore Research project plays a key role in their success.”

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program, please visit the Department’s Research on Alzheimer’s Disease homepage.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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