Washington - Former first lady Nancy Reagan welcomed President Barack Obama's decision Monday to allow government funding of embryonic stem cell research, which scientists believe could help cure diseases such as Alzheimer's that led to her husband's death.

Nancy Reagan, who has departed from many fellow Republicans who oppose stem cell research on religious grounds, said lifting the ban on federal funding would allow scientists to "move forward" with their investigations.

"I'm very grateful that President Obama has lifted the restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research," she said in an emailed statement. "I urge researchers to make use of the opportunities that are available to them, and to do all they can to fulfil the promise that stem cell research offers."

Obama signed an executive order Monday lifting restrictions on federal funding that were imposed by former president George W Bush in 2001.

Former president Ronald Reagan succumbed to Alzheimer's in 2004 and Nancy Reagan has been a vocal advocate for stem cell research that could lead to a cure for the disease ever since.

"Countless people, suffering from many different diseases, stand to benefit from the answers stem cell research can provide," she said. "We owe it to ourselves and to our children to do everything in our power to find cures for these diseases - and soon. As I've said before, time is short, and life is precious."

Religious conservatives oppose the research because the process involves destroying human embryos. They argue scientists should use adult stem cells. (dpa)