Ron Reagan Shocker: Stem Cells WON'T Cure Alzheimer's

NewsMax .com ^ | 7/13/04 | Carl Limbacher

[kattracks]

Ron Reagan, Jr., admitted Monday night that embryonic stem cell research will probably be absolutely useless in the quest to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease - throwing cold water on the big media's campaign to sell the controversial science as medically effective in battling the affliction that killed Reagan's father.

"Alzheimer‘s is a disease, ironically, that probably won‘t be amenable to treatment through stem cell therapies," Reagan told MSBC's Chris Matthews. So why have he and his mother, former first lady Nancy Reagan, made stem cell research their cause celeb?

"For people to suggest that [Nancy Reagan] shouldn’t support this because it isn’t Alzheimer's . . that’s very small," a defensive-sounding Reagan responded.

He says he still backs the campaign for embryonic stem cell research because it might cure other diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

But Reagan became the nation's foremost spokesman for stem cell research largely based on the notion that it might have saved the beloved fortieth president, something he now acknowledges isn't true.

The revelation could prove particularly embarrassing for the national press, which has printed hundreds of stories in recent days touting stem cell science as a cure for Alzheimer's.

Tuesday morning's New York Times report was typical:

"Scientists theorize that the cells, which give rise to all other cells and tissues in the body, could yield treatments for Parkinson's disease, diabetes and, perhaps, Alzheimer's disease, which former President Reagan had."

Monday night NBC's Kelly O'Donnell noted that, "John Kerry believes the work could lead to new cures for diseases like Alzheimer's."

But now that Mr. Reagan has contradicted the top Democrat, it's not clear whether Sen. Kerry will publicly acknowledge he and Reagan are at odds over the potential for stem cell research as a cure for Alzheimer's when Reagan addresses the Democratic convention at the end of this month.

[Not A Snowbird]

Well, well. Look who just caught up. Did Ronny finally do a little research?

[kattracks]

But now that Mr. Reagan has contradicted the top Democrat, it's not clear whether Sen. Kerry will publicly acknowledge he and Reagan are at odds over the potential for stem cell research as a cure for Alzheimer's when Reagan addresses the Democratic convention at the end of this month.

Forget Alzheimers. Twinkle toes appearance at the Dim convention has one purpose only, and, although it will be mentioned, it has absolutely nothing to do with stem cell research.

[dead]

"Alzheimer‘s is a disease, ironically, that probably won‘t be amenable to treatment through stem cell therapies,"

Everything is ironic.

Thanks Alanis Morissette.

[Use It Or Lose It]

Little Ronnie is a tippie-toed tutu wearin' tarantula. The feigned surprise yesterday from the blathering idiots that he was speaking at the RAT convention was laughable. Why does PMSNBC continue to retain him on their payroll when he is obviously a RAT operative?

[marty60]

Absolutely not. He's a "I don't believe in GOD", anything for a few minutes of face time stupid dumocrat.

[danamco]

Well, well. Look who just caught up. Did Ronny finally do a little research?



He's tooo stupid to do so. He was told by somebody else!!!

[Not A Snowbird]

I'm shocked he admitted it. Usually when liberals get a piece of truth that doesn't fit their agenda they keep it to themselves.

[dnmore]

The other interesting aspect of this is that the press keeps saying that the Bush Admin doesn't fund Stem Cell Research. I believe it "didn't" fund the research to the tune of 250M$ THIS YEAR.

What little research I have done indicates that adult stem-cell research is more promising then embryonic; that we have 60 genetically diverse lines of embryonic stem cells to perform research on and that we won't fund the development of new embryonic lines.

As with everything else in the media, we always get the half baked story.

[Badeye]

"So why have he and his mother, former first lady Nancy Reagan, made stem cell research their cause celeb? "

Two words: Patti Davis.

The compulsion of former President Reagan's children to disrespect him while he was in office, and after he left office, is only surpassed by what they are planning to do now that he has passed away.

Its "mommie dearest" without the rationale.

[The Old Hoosier]

It will backfire. People will be talking not about Kerry, but about Ronald Reagan and what he would have said.

[Not A Snowbird]

As with everything else in the media, we always get the half baked story.

That's what infuriates me. The top-of-the-hour news was covering this subject yesterday, and the guy clearly said that Bush was "blocking stem cell research". This caused me to turn around and yell "Liar!" at my radio, which was quite a shock to one of our managers who had just walked in to use the copier.

[AmishDude]

Exactly. Everybody would ignore Ron P. and Kerry and focus more on Ronald W.

But I would guess Ron Reagan will be buried in the schedule. All they want is some counter to Zell: A "Reagan" spoke at our convention.

[The Old Hoosier]

But I would guess Ron Reagan will be buried in the schedule.

Nope, they're giving him primetime.

[Mr. Bird]

Everything is ironic. Thanks Alanis Morissette.

Doesn't that drive you nuts?

[The Old Hoosier]

And they only get three hours of primetime coverage.

[AmishDude]

Do you have a link to the schedule? I thought I saw it floating.

I really can't believe they're putting this dim bulb in primetime.

But I guess it doesn't surprise me, these people are inhaling spite these days.

[lucyblue]

PING!

Here's the link to the recent Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29561-2004Jun9.html

[Alberta's Child]

The issue with Alzheimer's disease is that any stem-cell treatment will be utterly ineffective in treating it. The problem is that Alzheimer's is what is called a "whole brain" disease as opposed to a "brain cell" disease -- so any treatment dealing with individual cells won't do a damn thing.

[lucyblue]

Here 'ya go.... (I googled & this was the first one I found)

http://www.patriotsforbush.com/archives/000279.html