Win one...

June 6, 2004

Nearly ten years ago, Ronald Reagan announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the gradual loss of brain cells and results in memory loss and dementia.

Those who believe they follow in the legacy of Reagan are the same ones who would condemn others to the same tragic fate.

Stem cell research appears likely to lead to a cure for Alzheimer's as well as for diseases like Parkinson's and ALS. Yet, the Bush Administration is doing as much as possible to hinder stem cell research in the US.

Earlier this year, Nancy Reagan passionately advocated ending political opposition to stem cell research, because of the potential benefits for medicine. Opposition to stem cell research may prevent the discovery of a treatment for Alzheimer's.

Watching a loved one slip into the clutches of the disease is a miserable experience. Gradual loss of lucidity eventually becomes a realization that the person is no longer with you, while the body remains as a mere shell.

Support research into Alzheimer's disease. End the federal prohibition on funding for stem cell research with new cell lines. Let's prevent suicide by pseudoscience, keep American science from succumbing to Lysenkoism, and support efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's, ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.