Updates
Read more to learn about our shared accomplishments, project updates, and access the resources we produce.
South Texas Community Council Featured in the News!
Watch a recent news feature on the South Texas Community Council for Dementia Research! They held a press conference and community platica in Rio Grande City in March 2026. Starr County, where Rio Grande City sits, is deeply impacted by the dementia crisis — with up to 25% of the population currently living with the condition.
At the press conference held on March 5th, local family caregivers, elected officials, researchers, and members of the Community Council shared testimony on the crisis of dementia in the region. Speakers who underscored how urgent the issue is and how critical it is to turn to communities for leadership in addressing the crisis.
The following day, the Council hosted their 10th community platica in South Texas where community members shared their personal stories and gave insight into the issues that matter most to them. Just under 50 community members participated in the event and will be connected to each other and the extended South Texas network to share resources, guidance, and support.
Future events in Starr County and South Texas will be planned by the Council to continue building on this important work.
Honoring Janna Lesser, our friend and mentor
Our dear Dr. Lesser passed away on June 7, 2025. She was an anchor to many. Though her absence leaves us unmoored, her mentorship will forever equip us to navigate even the most difficult challenges with resolve. In grieving the loss of our dear friend, we will channel our sadness into a continued commitment to seek justice through knowledge and relationships, as Dr. Lesser so beautifully modeled with her life’s work. May we continue to struggle for equity, love, and solidarity in her name. Read more about Janna’s life here.
South Texas Dementia Project: Community Recommendations for Research & Service
After hosting nine demencia pláticas, with a total of more than 300 participants in South Texas, we have developed community-driven research priorities and recommendations for service organizations seeking to better address the needs of families impacted by dementia.
In summary, our report encourages institutions and organizations to:
- Develop and expand community-based resources for families and communities impacted by dementia.
- Provide training for community leaders and families impacted by dementia to engage in advocacy and community organizing to improve conditions and reduce risk for dementia.
- Provide tangible support and leadership by forming cross-sector coalitions and partnerships.
- Develop and adapt culturally relevant dementia and caregiving training and education for individuals, families, and health and service providers.
- Utilize institutional and organizational power to advocate for supportive policies and programs to improve conditions for communities impacted by dementia.
Our recommended research priorities are under development for publication. If you are interested in learning more about these priority areas, please contact our team for a copy of our report. When findings are published, we will share them here.
Video Testimonies: Stories from South Texas
Our Community Steering Council partnered with researchers at UT Health San Antonio to record a series of videos to share stories of individuals impacted by dementia in South Texas.