The Alzheimer's Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer research. Its research grant program has successfully recruited top scientists from other areas in Alzheimer's research, in many cases launching successful new careers and contributing significantly to scientific understanding of this terrible disease. The Association's Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute was established to accelerate development of effective treatments and preventions for Alzheimer's disease. In the past 17 years, the Alzheimer's Association has awarded more than $60 million in research grants. The vision of the Alzheimer's Association is to create a world without Alzheimer's disease while optimizing quality of life for individuals and their families. The mission of the association is to provide leadership to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, while enhancing care and support services for individuals and their families. Helping people understand Alzheimer's disease, and providing programs and services to assist individuals throughout the disease process, is a fundamental part of the Alzheimer's Association mission as is funding innovative research and advocating quality services. But the battle against Alzheimer's disease and its devastating effects is too big to fight alone. As a catalyst for programs, the Alzheimer's Association works collaboratively with others-doctors, social workers, research, policy makers, care facility administrators, and affected family members worldwide-to advance knowledge and understanding about Alzheimer's disease. For further information about Alzheimer's Association, contact: 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000 Chicago, Il 60611 (312) 335-8700 Ronald Wilson Reagan was born February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, the son of Nelle Wilson Reagan and John Reagan. He was educated in Illinois public schools and graduated from Eureka College in 1932. Following a brief career as a sports broadcaster, Ronald Reagan moved to California to work in motion pictures. His film career spanned nearly thirty years and, although interrupted by three years of service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, resulted in 53 feature-length motion pictures. He served six terms as President of the Screen Actors Guild and two terms as President of the Motion Picture Industry Council. From motion pictures he went into television in the 1950s, hosting " General Electric Theater." In 1964-65 he hosted the television series, "Death Valley Days." In 1966, Ronald Reagan was elected Governor of California by nearly a millionvote margin. He was elected to a second term as Governor of California in 1970. After completing his second term, he began a nationally syndicated radio commentary program and wrote several newspaper columns. He also undertook a rigorous schedule of speeches to civic, business and political groups. In 1980, the American people overwhelmingly elected him their fortieth President. Proclaiming an era of national renewal at his inauguration, President Reagan articulated a clear vision of American national purpose based upon his passionate conviction, shared with the people, that the United States represented k the "last, best hope" for human freedom, dignity, and democracy in the world. h. On November 6, 1984, he won a landslide re-election to the Presidency, carrying 49 of 50 states. Upon completion of his second term, he became the first President in the last three decades to serve two full terms. During his Presidency, Ronald Reagan successfully lowered the tax structure and championed business growth allowing the United States to enjoy the largest peacetime economic prosperity in its history. President Reagan rebuilt E_ America's military forces and his policy of "peace through strength" brought the Soviets to the negotiating table culminating in the historic INF Treaty. It was Ronald Reagan who convinced Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down the Berlin Wall." Since then, the world has changed dramatically, and free and democratic societies have emerged around the globe. As one of the most popular Presidents in our history, Ronald Reagan ' s Presidency represented a major shift toward American conservative values. His influence on world affairs and his belief in the remarkable potential of the American people will continue to be felt for generations to come. Following the completion of his second term in 1989, President Reagan returned to Los Angeles where he resides with his wife, Nancy, and maintains an office. He has written two books, Speaking My Mind, a collection of speeches, and his autobiography, An American Life. Since then, his primary focus has been to establish and to promote The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum and Center for Public Affairs in Simi Valley, California. He has actively supported a variety of philanthropic causes and traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, addressing business, civic, government and student groups.