Pergamon

0197-4580(94)00133-2

Neurobiology of Aging, Vol. 15, Suppl. 2. p. $7. 1994 Copyright © 1994 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in the USA. All fights reserved

0197-4580/94 $6.00 + .00

Statement By Zachary Fisher

Founder and Chairman

Fisher Medical Foundation

The Alzheimer's Disease Research Planning Meetings fulfill several of my personal visions for the battle against Alzheimer's disease. I understand the havoc that Alzheimer's disease can inflict--like a silent hurricane devastating families and lives. But I also understand that there is the promise of real progress in the quickening pace of new information and new horizons.

This meeting launches The Fisher Medical Foundation's determined and massive assault on the scourge of Alzheimer's disease. We could ask for no better signal of the national commitment to this mission than the presence of the First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, at the meeting, and the letter of support from President Clinton. I am buoyed by the enthusiasm and spirit and ideas generated during the past 3 days. We joined hands with Government, specifically the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, to co-sponsor these medical and scientific think tanks. These meetings can provide opportunities for individuals in diverse areas in the field to spark new ideas and enhance existing theories. This process can potentially serve to save research dollars by eliminating steps in the communications chain thereby speeding-up essential results.

In addition, our new partnership with David Rockefeller and the Rockefeller University to establish the Fisher Alzheimer's Research Center at the Rockefeller University will work to further accelerate advancements by immediately applying new developments in research to patient care. This is an innovative and exciting concept that holds much promise.

We want to create a unified force from the multitude of personnel in the field; research and medical experts, support groups, government agencies, the Armed Forces, foundations, philanthropists, and other existing entities working towards the same goal. In this way we can create a unified, synergistic force that can accomplish more collectively than what can realistically be accomplished individually.

I believe that the results of all of these efforts will reduce suffering and the enormous costs to families and the nation caused by this terrible disease. Together we will make a significant impact in the shortest possible time. I am confident that we will come up with answers and programs that work.

Zachary Fisher Founder and Chairman

Fisher Medical Foundation May 1994

$7