News Room

Dr. Yankner received a grant of $200,000 to further his work in AD research, as well as a $50,000 personal award. Also recognized were Lennart Mucke, MD of the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco and David Holtzman, MD of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for the strides each has made in their AD research. Each received a $100,000 grant to their respective institutions in support of their continued research.

The MetLife Foundation Award for Medical Research recognizes scientists whose work has significantly contributed to understanding AD. The program's unrestricted grants enable scientists to liberally pursue their creative ideas as they relate to AD research. A total of $8.5 million has been awarded since the inception of the program in 1986.

Commented Robert H. Benmosche, Chairman and CEO of MetLife, "Alzheimer's is a tragic disease affecting millions of Americans, their families and friends. MetLife is proud to support the research that is occurring across the country to find a solution to Alzheimer's. It is amazing to see the continued strides that have been made by researchers as they come closer to understanding this disease."

''We salute the scientists being honored today for their work and progress towards increasing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease,'' said Sibyl Jacobson, President and CEO, MetLife Foundation. ''Research into Alzheimer's is important as scientists continue to come closer to unlocking the mystery of this disease. Their dedication provides hope to those suffering from the disease and for those who provide care.''

MetLife Foundation has a commitment to programs that encourage the health and well being of older adults. During 2002, MetLife Foundation announced over $2.25 million in grants to support music initiatives that reach individuals across the age span, including a grant to the Alzheimer's Association to develop a music therapy program for persons with Alzheimer's. Also in 2002, the Foundation provided a $1 million grant to support a major new initiative with Harvard University's Center for Health Communications to redefine the role of older adults' participation in volunteer community service. A Foundation Healthy Aging initiative also supports projects to enhance lifelong learning and help older adults maintain healthy aging. The initiative includes the American Society on Aging's MindAlert program that recognizes innovative mental fitness programs for older adults.