dr. story landis of the institute of neurological disorders and stroke and also dr. richard hurd, the researcher who wrote the landmark study i mentioned earlier and we will be joined by two individuals impacted by this devastating disease. finally, former congressman dennis moore of kansas is here. as a longtime colleague and friend of his i was sad to learn of his alzheimer's diagnosis as soon after his retirement from the house of representatives. it is no surprise to anyone who knows him that his first instinct was to educate others and continue serving the public through advocacy and education so we look forward to hearing from our distinguished experts and before we turn to the first panel i yield to senator brand for his opening statement. >> i will make my remarks relatively brief because i would not want to detain or delay the testimony of our distinguished experts but i very much appreciate what you just said and your willingness to conduct this hearing on alzheimer's disease. in my view this could be the defining disease of our generation. i am pleased as