WASHINGTON (Reuter) - Six-term Sen. Claiborne Pell has been diagnosed
with an early and mild case of Parkinson's disease, but the Rhode Island
Democrat has no plans to leave office before his term expires at the end of
1996, a spokesman said Sunday.
Pell, 76, was diagnosed with the disease and began taking medication
earlier this year, but his doctor told him he could expect 20 to 30 more
years of useful living, press secretary Bill Bryant said.
``Pell said that would make him 107,'' Bryant said.
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that causes an
involuntary, rhythmic shaking of the hands or head and a decline in agility
and balance. In later stages, it can also lead to a deterioration of the
memory and thought processes.
Pell, former head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, keeps an
active schedule, often jogging in the morning and working through the day
until late, Bryant said.
``He's keeping up the pace,'' he said.
Asked if the diagnosis would affect Pell's decision on whether to run for
another term, Bryant said, ``He hasn't even decided when he's going to make
that decision.''
Pell is well known for his active role on education issues. In 1972 he
pushed through legislation establishing basic grants for low- and
middle-income college students, a program renamed ''Pell Grants'' in his
honor in 1980.
REUTER
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Just a comment for those of you from RI. Sen Pell was diagnosed last
December according to another news story. He waited to tell the news media
until after the Mo Udall bill had been reintroduced. Exactly one day after,
if I recall. HE WAS NOT ONE OF THE ORIGINAL COSPONSORS. I do not know if he
is now a cosponsor, but those of you from RI should get on his case.
Speaking of RI, Rick Weeden, who was written up in the story from MGH in
Boston and Drs. Crosgrove and Laitinen is a lurker on this digest. How about
a word from Rick? Did you write Sen. Pell?
Regards,
Alan
