UC SAN DIEGO / Mark Tuszynski MD PHD

[bogart]

Having followed Ronald and Nancy Reagan's struggle with Alzheimer's over the years I have followed research in medicine and stem cell sciences more recently. My interest stems not only from my respect for Mr. Reagan and the amazing contribution he made during his tenure in office, but also because of my own bout with a memory robbing disease. In 1989 I was diagnosed with viral encephalitis of an unknown etiology. It paralyzed both legs and right arm and caused significant impairment of my memory and particularly short term memory. Two weeks ago I read a press release from UC San Diego's Department of Neuroscience. The topic related to research being conducted by a Dr. Mark H. Tuszynski it appears that a short term study of altered skin cells and NGF have proven effective in improving, significantly the condition and slowing the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's patients. Another longer clinical trial is going to commence in two months and will proceed for about two years. It would be wonderful if Ronald Reagan could be involved. For his own benefit and for greater public awareness. Unfortunately, here in the U.S.A. the imbecile fashion in which our FDA and regulative agencies operate, delays a patients access to effective treatments. Our system of clinical trial and evaluation should be modified to function more like the system that exists in the E.U. Many of our brightest minds and biotech venture capital migrates to the EU to persue their research in a less restrictive environment. It is a shame that here in the USA where Mr. Reagan served to preserve the ideals of life, liberty, and the persuit of hapiness during his administration he should be restricted to access to the best care possible. It is to my dismay that I see the healing hands of scientists tied by beauracrats. I wish our religious and political leaders could see the analogy: once again the healing hands held back by driven nails.