Statement Of Dr. Bernard Reisman
Alzheimer Advocate
West Newton, Massachusetts

Before the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force On Alzheimer’s Disease

May 3, 2005

Mr. Chairman and members of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease: My name is Bernard Reisman. My wife Elaine and I are honored to be here today on behalf of the millions of families like ours who are coping with Alzheimer's disease.

I sit before you today as a 78 year old man with Alzheimer's disease, as a proud World War II veteran and as a concerned husband, father and grandfather. I am also here to advocate for increased Alzheimer's research funding because I am hoping that science can put an end to this terrible disease. Perhaps too late for me, but certainly not too late for the millions of Americans who face this disease in the future. An annual billion-dollar investment in Alzheimer’s research is essential to winning this battle.

In my professional life, I was a professor of Jewish studies at Brandeis University for 37 years. My PhD is from the Florence Heller School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare at Brandeis University. My academic career at Brandeis included founding the Hornstein Program in Jewish Communal Service as well as teaching small group theory and contemporary Jewish issues. I have published numerous books and articles, and lectured and conducted research in Jewish communities throughout the world. Although I enjoyed other aspects of my work, interacting with students was the most enjoyable part of my time at the University. It was always important to me to have good relationships with my students and to help them achieve in both academics and life.

When the diagnosis of Alzheimer's led to my retirement in 1999, I was very sad to give up teaching. My career was very important to me and I was prepared to work many more years. After I retired, I was determined to remain an active member of the teaching community. I developed the Brandeis Adult Learning Institute which, a program for people who have retired and want to continue learning. My wife, Elaine, still leads classes regularly for the program.

My wife first noticed that I was having problems with my memory about eleven years ago. I had always been very independent and well prepared for my job, but as the symptoms developed I began to become more dependent on my wife to remind me of appointments and tasks. I would leave for the day on trips only to return that evening very confused about where I had been. My secretaries at work also began to notice a change. They told my wife I was asking them to complete the same project several times and needing constant reminders about regular tasks.

It wasn’t until five years after my initial memory problems that my wife and I began to pursue a diagnosis. Though my wife and I knew something was wrong, we were not convinced that medical intervention was necessary until my children got involved. My son-in-law is a neurologist and actively encouraged us to seek professional help. My initial diagnosis was one of Mild Cognitive Impairment and I was prescribed Aricept in the hope that it might help slow the progression of the disease. Now, my doctor believes I have advanced into Alzheimer’s disease.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s my wife and I became active in the early stage support group led by the Massachusetts chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. These bi-monthly get-togethers allow me to express my feelings and frustrations to my peers who are also struggling with Alzheimer's. I am able to take a leadership role by welcoming people and helping them feel comfortable in the group. I also participate in a day program where I lead a discussion group of my peers. Having the opportunity to still use my leadership skills is a boost to my ego as knowing that I have memory problems is often troubling to me.

Since my diagnosis, I have participated in various research studies. I believe it is important that I remain proactive despite my diagnosis. I have been enrolled in studies on acupuncture, Vitamin B and Folic Acid, pain and cognition, vision and cognition, herbal supplement, and MRI studies. I have participated in the Health Outreach Project for the Elderly and a study on music therapy. My family is also involved in clinical studies surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. My brother and my children have participated in a family research study as well. Because my father and all four of his sisters had some form of dementia we are concerned that we may be passing the disease on to our children. I know that participating in research is one of the only ways that I can prevent this from happening. There is so much hope for a future without Alzheimer’s disease.

While I am still able, I want to do whatever I can to speak out about Alzheimer’s disease. I have spoken many times before the Massachusetts legislature about the destruction of Alzheimer’s disease and I am testifying here today to urge you to continue the investment in Alzheimer research. We know that scientists are on the verge of finding ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer's and that the help and funding our government provides today may save future generations from this terrible thief that steals memories, disrupts careers and affects millions of families. If the research can proceed fast enough, there may be something that will make a difference for me, but I pray that the discoveries will come in time for the next generation. I desperately hope we can find a way to spare my children and grandchildren and others from this devastating disease. We are in a race against time and if we don’t find the answers soon, Alzheimer’s will be an epidemic.

On behalf of my family and the millions of other families just like mine who couldn't be here today, thank you for your leadership and commitment to our cause. I appreciate your time and consideration and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.