Fighting Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's research has made considerable progress toward a better understanding of the disease. But there is no known cure. As the U.S. population continues to age, more and more Americans will be affected by Alzheimer's.

Currently, half of all Americans over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's symptoms. In all, 4.5 million Americans have been diagnosed. Doctors believe many more Americans have the disease but haven't been diagnosed. By 2050, it is estimated 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's.

U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond of Missouri and Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland plan to reintroduce the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act, which would double funding for Alzheimer's research to $1.4 billion. Doctors say they believe they are close to medical breakthroughs.

Individuals can contribute directly to organizations like the Alzheimer's Association (1301 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, phone 332-8170) or learn more about the disease on the association's Web site, www.alz.org.