Florida Surgeon General and Secretary Branham Announce Alzheimer’s Research Grant Recipients to Advance Innovation and Improve Outcomes
Share:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Today, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, joined by Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, announced the latest recipients of the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program grants at the University of Florida. This year, more than $4.2 million is being invested in research efforts that will strengthen early detection, expand treatment options, and deepen understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.
“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.”
“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.”
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 grants will support research at eight institutions across the state:
- Baptist Health Jacksonville – $350,000 (principal investigator: Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD)
- University of Florida – Nearly $550,000 across three research projects (principal investigators: Ricardo Hanel, MD, PhD; Franchesca Arias, PhD; Yonghui Wu, PhD)
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville – Nearly $1.5 million across five research projects (principal investigators: Wilfried O. Rossoll, PhD; Aria Yslas, PhD; Wolfdieter Springer, PhD; Fabienne Fiesel, PhD; Lea Tenenholz Grinberg, MD, PhD)
- University of Miami – Nearly $700,000 across two research projects (principal investigators: Anthony Griswold, PhD; Rosie Curiel Cid, PsyD)
- Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida – Nearly $350,000 (principal investigator: Ranjan Duara, MD)
- University of Central Florida – Nearly $450,000 across two research projects (principal investigators: Nicole Dawson, PT, PhD, FNAP; Kiminobu Sugaya, PhD)
- AdventHealth Orlando – $350,000 (principal investigator: Kirk Erickson, PhD)
- Florida Atlantic University – $250,000 (principal investigator: Ruth Tappen, EdD, RN, FAAN)
AdventHealth Orlando and Baptist Health Jacksonville are receiving funding for the first time from this program, expanding the collaboration in Florida’s growing network of Alzheimer’s research institutions.
Since 2018, Florida has invested more than $35 million in Alzheimer’s research, supporting 164 research projects, 126 researchers, and 13 institutions across the state.
The Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program has covered 23 focus areas, including early detection, therapeutic development, mechanism of neurodegeneration, and understanding co-morbidities and other factors that contribute to progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Florida continues to prioritize targeted investments in research and innovation, reinforcing its role as a national leader in advancing public health solutions.