News Room - Children's Hospital Boston

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Pressroom:

Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 13, 2003

For Further Information:
Jennie Morgan
(212) 578-5527
jmorgan3@metlife.com
or
Susan Craig
(617) 355-8834
susan.craig@childrens.harvard.edu

MetLife Foundation Award for Medical Research Recognizes Children's Hospital Boston Investigator for Strides In Alzheimer's Disease Research

WASHINGTON, DC - MetLife Foundation's Award for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease was presented in Washington, DC today to Bruce A. Yankner, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital Boston, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD).

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."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease -- one in 10 people over 65, and nearly half of those are over age 85. By 2050, 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's unless a cure or prevention is found. As more individuals are afflicted with this disease, more families take on the responsibilities of caregiving. This role is taxing physically, emotionally and economically. A survey conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute examined the long-term costs caregivers face when they disrupt their work to accommodate the needs of a family member. The survey estimated loss in average total wealth over the lifetime of a caregiver at $659,139, including lost wage wealth and Social Security income.

''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.''

About Dr. Yankner, Award for Medical Research Winner
Dr. Yankner is a professor of neurology and neuroscience at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Children's Hospital Boston, and is director of the neurodegeneration training program at HMS. The premise of Dr. Yankner's work is that an understanding of the fundamental causes of neuronal degeneration and the role of the aging process is critical for treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease. His unique combination of research and clinical work has led to many advances in the field. Dr. Yankner has provided a conceptual framework for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. His laboratory was the source for development of an animal model for studying the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Yankner's contributions to the understanding of the causes of Alzheimer's disease also have provided insights into possible treatments, including the development of drugs that are set to enter clinical trials in the near future.

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.

MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, supports health, education, civic and cultural programs throughout the United States. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the web site at www.metlife.org.

Children's Hospital Boston is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults for over 100 years. More than 500 scientists, including seven members of the National Academy of Sciences, nine members of the Institute of Medicine and nine members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community. Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is a 300-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care grounded in the values of excellence in patient care and sensitivity to the complex needs and diversity of children and families. It is also the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information about the hospital visit: www.childrenshospital.org.

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