Ronald and Nancy Reagan Join Forces with Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's Association
Wednesday, 1 November 1995

Former President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan announced on November 1, 1995 that they have joined forces with the national Alzheimer's Association to establish the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute. An expansion of the Alzheimer's Association's existing research program, the Reagan Institute will unite the leading scientific minds from around the world with drug and biotech companies to speed information exchange and find treatments, preventions and cures.

"The Reagan Institute was established to serve as a symbol of hope to all those who share our dream of finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease," said Nancy Reagan, whose husband announced in a letter to the American people on November 5, 1994 that he is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. "Honestly, we can't wait any longer to step up the research."

Approximately 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, an incurable, degenerative disease of the brain that destroys memory, cognitive abilities and judgment. One in 10 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer's disease. The disease also affects an estimated 400,000 Americans in their 40s and 50s.

As many as 7 million Americans may be afflicted by the year 2010, when the large Baby Boom generation reaches 65. "If we don't accelerate research, we're going to face a ticking time bomb as the population ages and the cost of this disease increases well beyond the $100 billion it is today," said Edward Truschke, Association president and CEO.

While major strides have been made recently in Alzheimer research, there is still no cure, prevention or effective treatment. Potential cutbacks in federal funding threaten to slow continued progress. "If we can cut in half the number of people afflicted by the disease, we will save this country $50 billion in today's dollars," said Truschke. "Through the Reagan Institute, experts who now work separately will be brought together to focus on priorities, and help bring effective treatments to market more quickly."

"We can conquer this disease through the Alzheimer's Association and the Reagan Institute by bringing together the best talents of this country to work together toward the common goal of finding a treatment for this disease," said Zaven Khachaturian, an Alzheimer expert who serves as the primary consultant to the Association on the Reagan Institute.

The initial focus of the Reagan Institute will be to provide grants to innovative research, and promote cooperative working relationships among the Association, scientists, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, universities and medical centers, private foundations and government. November is National Alzheimer's Disease Month, a designation first signed into law 12 years ago by President Reagan. A transcript of Nancy Reagan's full public statement is available exclusively from the Alzheimer's Association.

The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to research for the causes, treatments, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease and to providing education and support services to the four million Americans with the disease, their families and caregivers. You can reach the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org