Letters: Aug. 7, 2000

The New Science of Alzheimer's

The biomedical side of Alzheimer's [HEALTH, July 17] is vitally important, yet it does not tell the full story about the disease. The individual, family and societal costs of Alzheimer's are enormous and growing by leaps and bounds. But very little is being done on a day-to-day level to help the estimated 4 million Americans suffering from the disease and the loved ones who care for them. Instead of waiting for a medical breakthrough, we can take steps now to improve their quality of life. Funding for research may ultimately pay off. Yet money for services to those with the disease and their caregivers is desperately needed today. DANIEL KUHN, EDUCATION DIRECTOR Mather Institute on Aging Evanston, Ill.

You failed to note that there are three prescription medications (Cognex, Aricept and Exelon) available in the U.S. to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. These and other medical and nonpharmacologic interventions can help stabilize symptom progression, reduce disruptive behaviors and allow Alzheimer's patients to continue participating in everyday activities for considerably longer than would otherwise be possible. We all look forward to a time when Alzheimer's disease can be cured and its onset prevented. In the meantime, it's important for patients and their families to know there are treatment options available. NORMAN RELKIN, M.D., DIRECTOR Cornell Memory Disorders Program New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical College New York City

Here in Florida, where millions are concerned about Alzheimer's disease, we're convinced that a package of breakthroughs will bring this epidemic under control. We will have genetic predictors, possibly even tests, for those in their 40s and 50s. And we will have multiple avenues of treatment at different life stages. Thus the competition you describe among scientists is important; it broadens the possibilities. Even the debate between amyloid theorists and others, as you reported it, is actually leading to new debates. The key is that though these scientists may not see themselves as members of a global team, in fact they are. JUDY GENSHAFT, PRESIDENT University of South Florida Tampa, Fla.

Thirst for Power

In your article on the demand for electric power [BUSINESS, July 17], you imply that deregulation of the industry has led to brownouts and price increases. That is blaming the solution for the problem. Deregulation merely allows the forces of supply and demand to set prices. As with any commodity, the solution to high electricity prices is new supplies or reduced demand--not price controls. Artificial price controls would reduce construction of new capacity, ultimately leading to electricity shortages. Today's competitive wholesale electricity market is working exactly as intended: new power plants have been announced or are under construction that will increase U.S. generating capacity by a significant amount. WILLIAM F. HECHT Chairman, President and CEO PPL Corp. Allentown, Pa.

Way Beyond the Basics