Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute facts for kids
The Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute is a special center that helps speed up research into Alzheimer's disease. It was started by former United States President Ronald Reagan and his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan. This institute is connected to the National Alzheimer's Association in Chicago, Illinois. It officially opened in 1995.
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Understanding the Institute's Mission
The Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute was a big step forward for Alzheimer's research. Before this, many studies asked general questions about the disease. The Reagan Institute helped focus more on the biological side of Alzheimer's. This means they looked closely at how the disease affects the body and brain.
Supporting Important Research
The institute has given out a lot of money to help scientists. They have awarded $12 million in research grants. These grants help fund new studies and discoveries. The institute also created a special award. It's called the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute Award. This award honors people who have made huge contributions to Alzheimer's research.
The Reagans and Alzheimer's Awareness
President Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994. He bravely shared this news with the American people. His decision to speak openly about his illness changed how many people viewed Alzheimer's. It helped reduce the negative feelings or "stigma" often linked to the disease.
Nancy Reagan's Continued Support
In 1995, President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan started the institute. As President Reagan's health declined, Nancy Reagan became a strong supporter of research. She believed that federally funded embryonic stem cell research could lead to a cure. She remained an honorary board member of the research institute. The Reagans' daughter, Maureen Reagan Revell, was also very active with the center. She worked hard until her death in 2001.
Alzheimer's Disease: Facts and Research
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It eventually makes it hard to carry out simple tasks. As of 2007, about 5.1 million Americans had Alzheimer's disease. This included 4.9 million people aged 65 and older. It also included at least 200,000 younger people with early-onset Alzheimer's.
Current Research and Hope
The Alzheimer's Association reported that in 2007, an American was diagnosed every 72 seconds. There is still no treatment that can stop the damage to brain cells. However, scientists have found many new ways to approach treatment. These new ideas might change the course of the disease. Many experimental treatments are being tested in people. The Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute helped fund a book. This book was written by leading researchers. It shared progress on new treatment ideas for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
