Dec. 19, 2025
Gov. Shapiro Announces Investment in Neurodegenerative Disease Research
State support helps ensure that older Pennsylvanians will continue to have access to world-class research.
TOPICS: Aging & Lifespan | Neuro & Cognitive Science | Partnerships
Designs on Aging-Ready
By Strategic Communications
Gov. Josh Shapiro visited University of Pittsburgh labs in December 2025 to announce new funding that will advance scientific discovery while addressing the growing impact of neurodegenerative disease on older Pennsylvanians.
“The University of Pittsburgh is proud to lead the life sciences century at the intersection of health, AI and tech,” said Joan Gabel, Pitt’s chancellor. “And we sincerely appreciate Governor Shapiro’s continued leadership, as well as the General Assembly, for ensuring the commonwealth remains at the forefront of innovative and life-changing research and breakthroughs in these areas, including in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS and Parkinson’s.”
“The University of Pittsburgh is proud to lead the life sciences century at the intersection of health, AI and tech.”
University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel
The Pennsylvania Department of Health will distribute the funding through competitive grants to qualifying institutions conducting research on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.
Age is the primary risk factor for many of these conditions, and Pennsylvania is home to 3.4 million older adults—the fifth-largest older adult population in the nation.
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