Missouri taking the lead in Alzheimer's Research

This past week more than 5,000 scientists from around the world gathered in Paris to report the latest advances in Alzheimer's research at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2011.

Scientists presented and discussed early detection, medical intervention and global standardization for the health epidemic of the 21st century -- Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. At the conference, French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke about the global crisis of Alzheimer's disease. Among the top researchers from around the world were about 25 of Missouri's finest scientists from, among other institutions, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis University and Missouri State University in Springfield.

Alzheimer's is a growing epidemic around the world and in Missouri. It has become the sixth leading cause of death in America, and the only among the top 10 causes with no way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression.

There are an estimated 36.5 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's or related dementias, with 110,000 living in Missouri. But the impact goes far beyond those who suffer directly; nearly 305,000 Missourians are unpaid caregivers for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.

As chairman of the Missouri Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force, I am pleased to report that Missouri is making Alzheimer's a priority. We now are implementing the Missouri Alzheimer's State Plan, which includes a number of aggressive short-term and long-term goals to promote early intervention and support, provide access to comprehensive community and home-based services, ensure delivery of quality dementia care, and maintain Missouri's status as a global leader in Alzheimer's research.

I applaud the Alzheimer's Association for hosting this annual conference that serves as a catalyst for new knowledge about dementia and fosters a vital, collegial research community. Moreover, I congratulate the fine research institutions across Missouri and their remarkable scientists. Every day, these researchers rise to meet the challenge of trying to solve the Alzheimer crisis, and for that I am grateful.

Peter D. Kinder of Cape Girardeau is the lieutenant governor of Missouri.