The Fairy Tale of Alzheimer's And Stem Cell Research

'People need a fairy tale," says Ronald McKay, a stem cell researcher explaining why scientists have allowed society to believe wrongly that embryonic stem cells are likely to effectively treat Alzheimer's disease. No they don't, Mr. McKay. The truth will do just fine.

But scientists lusting after government funding for embryonic research will continue to spin the fairy tale. The death of Ronald Reagan was an opportunity they couldn't resist to push their biotech political agenda. How better to milk the heartstrings of America then to have his son Ron Reagan shill for them at the Democratic convention.

The liberal scion of the iconic conservative would never consider making a similar appearance at the Republican convention because he's always stood miles from his father's principles.

That the younger Reagan chose to revitalize his public career by promoting the cause for stem cell research while the public mourned his father's death says quite a bit about his integrity or respect for his father's beliefs.

In his book "Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation," Ronald Reagan wrote:

"The real question today is not when human life begins, but, What is the value of human life?"

Apparently not very much to Amy Richards, a feminist who had two of her triplets aborted because she only wanted one of them. Her story was reported in the July 18 New York Times magazine, but what I've found more disturbing are the many women who defended her.

"It's her body and she shouldn't have to carry all three babies even if her boyfriend wanted them," one blogger wrote. Ms. Richards gave birth to a baby boy who may one day discover that his mother had two of his siblings terminated. One wonders if she ever considered giving the two identical twins aborted to long-awaiting adoptive parents.

Scientists and political activists are exploiting the pain and suffering of the families of Alzheimer's victims by false ly touting embryonic stem cell research as a potential cure.

To conceive a child only to kill it to make use of its tissue should be morally repugnant to any civilized society, but Amy Richards and Planned Parenthood would disagree.

Alzheimer's is a horrific disease that can be more devastating to the family because the victim will ultimately become unaware of what is occurring. As a former caregiver to my mother-in-law, I know there were times when I prayed fervently for something that would restore Mildred to her former self.

After much research, I learned that while adult stem cell research was producing amazing results, the spin on embryonic stem cell research was scandalous.

Two researchers told a congressional committee in May that Alzheimer's is a "whole brain disease" rather than a cellular disorder like Parkinson's. They admitted that of all the diseases that may someday be cured by this type of treatment, Alzheimer's is the least likely to benefit.

The false hype generates public support for this type of research. Hype equals pressure on Congress, which may lead to funding. But, wait, there's more. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, issued a statement in June stating:

"Contrary to ongoing research with adult stem cells, which do not cause death and are supported by President Bush and unimpeded federal funds, not one human being is being treated with embryonic stem cells anywhere in the world. No clinical trials are in progress using this approach. No studies with embryonic stem cells are even being contemplated. None! And why not? Because these cells are unpredictable and tend to create tumors in animals being treated with them."

Naturally, the Democratic National Convention will focus on the wonders of this bogus research, so I'd like to suggest that if they truly believe the hype, they should implore George Soros to spend some of his millions on private funding for the project. Leave my tax dollars alone.

Back in the real world, affected families can get valuable assistance from the wonderful Alzheimer's Foundation. I'm not sure how we would have managed to provide the care for Mildred without its help.

The foundation's center on Staten Island near Seaview Hospital provided us with all the adult diapers and disposable bed pads we needed. They can also lend out wheelchairs and other hospital equipment. Everything is free of charge. The organization has a list of resources and referrals for caregivers who are in need of respite care or day care for the victim.

This Sunday there will be a celebrity softball game at 2 p.m. benefiting this lifesaving association at the Richmond County Bank Ball Park, right next to the Staten Island ferry.

Actors Danny Aiello, Tony LoBianco, Paul Sorvino, and soap opera stars from "All My Children," "As the World Turns," and "The Bold & the Beautiful" will participate. There will also be special appearances by cast members of "The Sopranos," including Steven Van Zandt, and an auction of memorabilia from the sets of many TV shows. There will also be plenty of family activities like face painting, spin art, etc. Tickets are only $10.

When I think of how much I owe the Alzheimer's Foundation, that's quite a bargain.