The Grants to Increase Local Dementia Support (GILDS) grant program is funded through House Bill 1, Rider 31, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023. The GILDS program aims to: 

1. support persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers, and 

2. promote early detection and diagnosis through dementia resource specialists located in multiple areas of the state, including areas of Texas with the highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Local and regional entities employ and train dementia resource specialists to provide education, support, and referrals for community resources. The GILDS program uses a public health approach to address ADRD based on the Healthy Brain Initiative, State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2023-2027 Road Map.

Awardees represent 48 counties in Texas and will work to increase local dementia support within specified communities. Download the PDF version of this map.