Reagan, Nancy

Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute

In 1995, President Reagan and his wife joined with the Alzheimer's Association to form the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute in Chicago, Illinois. This organization provides research grant funding to investigators who dedicate their careers to the study of Alzheimer's disease. The overall approach of the organization is to fund projects that encompass the entire scope of the search for an Alzheimer's cure. They hope that this “shotgun” approach will accelerate the quest for a cure. Reagan continues to serve as an honorary director on the board of the Alzheimer's Association.

Public Statements

Overall, her stand on human embryonic stem cell research has set Reagan apart from the Republican Party, although she continued to support President Bush for election to a second term in 2004. She has openly criticized the current position of the Republican Party on stem cell research.

Her announced political stance on stem cell research publicly diverged from the rest of the Republican Party on May 8, 2004, during a speech at a benefit dinner for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Her decision came in large part from watching her husband suffer from Alzheimer's disease. “Ronnie's long journey has finally taken him to a place where I can no longer reach him,” she said. “We cannot share the wonderful memories of our 52 years together, and I think that is the hardest part. I am determined to do whatever I can to save other families from this pain.” She had quietly supported embryonic stem cell research before this speech, but her newfound vocal support provided a new and very visible face for the rest of the Republicans who already support stem cell research. Nancy Reagan's testimony and that of other families with a loved one who may benefit from stem cell research has forced many in Congress who previously opposed the research to change their stance.

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