The new center at a local university will help to create and sustain Houston medical jobs.

The recently-opened Center for Vital Longevity at the University of Texas at Dallas will be used to study the aging mind. The center highlights Texas's growing biomedical technology industry and the state's ability to create innovative and life saving therapies and technologies.

The new center will use cutting-edge brain imaging technology to study how the mind's function changes with age, how to maintain a healthy mind, and how to diagnose and prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists at the Center for Vital Longevity will work closely with researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas to collect data on a new imaging technique that could ultimately prevent Alzheimer's disease.

"Far too many people in Texas and around the world have suffered the pain of watching a family member slip away into Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders associated with aging," Gov. Rick Perry said. "This center will help draw researchers committed to the pursuit of better health into a collaborative environment of exploration and discovery that will lead to life-saving ideas."

Perry recognized such programs as the Texas Emerging Technology Fund for helping to cultivate a culture of innovation throughout the state, helping to develop cutting-edge technologies, and attracting top researchers and money to Texas.

"All of these efforts combine to form a critical mass that is pushing Texas to the forefront of high tech industry, and will keep us there well into the future," he added.

Labels: Houston medical jobs