A groundbreaking facility dedicated to the study and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is set to open in San Antonio, Texas, in December 2025. The new $100 million Center for Brain Health aims to enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and research of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). According to Sudha Seshadri, MD, DM, the founding director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, this center will significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
The Center for Brain Health will serve as a comprehensive hub for both patients and researchers, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a range of therapeutic services. Seshadri emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for individuals seeking diagnoses and treatments. “We are trying to bring together in this one space all that we need for top-quality research, and all that patients and families have told us they need to live the best possible life they can,” she stated.
Innovative Facilities and Services
Among the cutting-edge features of the Center will be the most advanced medical imaging device in South Texas, a 7-tesla MRI. This powerful tool provides high-resolution images that allow for detailed examination of critical brain areas, including the brain stem, which is vital in understanding diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. “You can see areas like the brain stem,” Seshadri explained. “The brain stem has tiny nuclei called the locus coeruleus, which is where Alzheimer’s begins.”
In addition to advanced imaging, the facility will include twelve infusion suites to accommodate patients requiring intravenous delivery of the latest Alzheimer’s medications. To enhance the overall treatment experience, patients will also have access to physical therapy, art therapy, and music therapy, all within the same location. The center aims to streamline care for patients traveling from other cities, such as Austin or Corpus Christi, allowing them to receive multiple treatments in a coordinated manner.
Caregivers will not be overlooked; the Center will offer educational resources and support services to assist them in their roles. This comprehensive approach is designed to foster an environment conducive to healing and recovery for both patients and their families.
A Vision for the Future
The anticipation surrounding the opening of the Center for Brain Health reflects a broader commitment to improving dementia care. Seshadri expressed her optimism about the potential impact of the facility: “I think San Antonio is well on its way to being a city that changes what we know about dementia and how we treat it.” She also acknowledged the importance of collaboration, stating, “We know that we cannot do it alone in San Antonio; we need to work with all the wonderful people all across the world.”
The new center signifies a pivotal moment in the quest to advance our understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As it prepares to launch, the Center for Brain Health stands poised to become a beacon of hope for patients and families facing these challenging conditions.
