REAGAN'S ALZHEIMER'S

It was an unselfish act intended to benefit millions of Americans facing the prospect of an incurable illness that would probably leave them cut off from family, friends and the familiar world. Former President Reagan took pen in hand and wrote a simple note to say he has Alzheimer's disease. He included these elegant words: "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."

Here was a man who rose to the very top of world affairs and influence announcing he would be sharing the pain and frustration of some 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's, which causes memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation and personality changes. There is a very possible likelihood the day will come when Ronald Reagan will be unable to remember his own name, much less the fact he was once president of the United States.

Reagan's announcement was a fine gesture that threw a spotlight on a disease that deserves research as well as understanding and compassion.

The same week Reagan told the world of his situation, doctors in Massachusetts announced a simple test using eye drops that may identify patients with Alzheimer's. It is no cure, and even with early identification there is little medicine has to offer. But researchers are looking ahead to the day when there will be a breakthrough in treatment. Then the eye drops will be of utmost importance.

And when that time comes perhaps millions more Americans will take the test because of President Reagan's touching letter, thereby avoiding the most debilitating effects of the disease.