Alzheimer's and Aging

MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $18 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs. A pioneer in supporting Alzheimer's research, MetLife Foundation has provided over $12 million to scientists for groundbreaking research through its Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer's disease. Selected grants include:

• Awards for Medical Research — Since 1986, MetLife Foundation has awarded $12 million in grants through the Awards for Medical Research program to support scientists who have made contributions to the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and provide them with funds to pursue their research. Two of the awardees have gone on to win Nobel Prizes.

• Alzheimer's Association — MetLife Foundation has provided support to the national Alzheimer’s Association for a variety of activities that advance research, enhance care and support, promote public awareness and expand diversity outreach. Initiatives have included: a public education video for caregivers and families of persons with Alzheimer’s disease; Spanish-language materials and outreach; and promotion of Safe Return, a program that provides assistance for people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia who wander from home.

• Alzheimer's Disease International — To expand Alzheimer’s awareness and education in countries across the globe, MetLife Foundation provided funding to Alzheimer’s associations in Mexico, Korea, India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom.

• The MoMA Alzheimer’s Project: Making Art Accessible to People with Dementia — Building on the success of a program that brings people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, along with their caregivers, to the Museum of Modern Art for interactive tours, this project includes a training manual for caregivers and museum professionals; a Web-based resource featuring tips on teaching and best practices; and in-person training sessions at Alzheimer’s Association chapters and museums across the country.

• The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s — MetLife Foundation is sole sponsor of The Forgetting, a groundbreaking, Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary and educational outreach program created by Twin Cities Public Television. The Forgetting —which originally aired on PBS stations in 2004 and has been rebroadcast several times over the years— aims to help people better understand and cope with the disease and provide practical resources and increased access to services.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Facing The Facts — The one-hour documentary, presented by Connecticut Public Television on PBS stations across the country, takes a close and poignant look at the immense personal and societal impact of Alzheimer’s today, and what may be faced in the future. It includes profiles of families living with Alzheimer’s and interviews with physicians and scientists on the front lines.

In recent years, MetLife Foundation has expanded its focus to aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and engaged in the community and deal with caregiving. Selected grants include:

• Caregiving in the U.S. — With support from MetLife Foundation, the National Alliance for Caregiving conducted this comprehensive study of caregiving in America. An update of similar studies conducted in 2004 and 1997, the survey touches on all aspects of caregiving.

• National Family Caregiver Awards — The National Alliance for Caregiving, in collaboration with the American Society on Aging, developed an awards program for community-based organizations doing exemplary work to support family caregivers.

• Community College Training Initiative — Funded by MetLife Foundation and administered by the International Longevity Center, the initiative awards grants to community colleges across the country for innovative caregiver training programs.

• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) — In partnership with leading nonprofits and civic organizations, n4a conducted a national survey to assess the readiness of cities to meet the needs of an aging population. The Maturing of America – Getting Communities on Track for the Aging of the Baby Boomers will be updated in 2010. A Blueprint for Action: Developing Livable Communities for All Ages, a comprehensive toolkit used to facilitate community-wide discussion, assessment and action to help cities and counties plan to make for the future, was developed by n4a and Partners for Livable Communities in response to original survey findings. Local forums were held around the country based on the toolkit.

• Civic Ventures — The MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures New Face of Work Survey identifies opportunities for combining employment with community service among older adults. The survey was released with The Boomers’ Guide to Good Work, a publication to help boomers find public service jobs. Building on the success of the survey, Civic Ventures launched the MetLife Foundation Encore Opportunity Awards to recognize and encourage organizations making use of older adults in new work roles that contribute to the social good. The Encore Careers Survey found that trailing-edge boomers hitting their 50s are the most eager for work that matters.

• National Council on Aging Wisdom Works Initiative — This initiative is designed to increase civic engagement by older people working in volunteer teams to address critical community needs. Included in the initiative are: focus groups to determine what worries older adults and the kind of volunteer projects they prefer; a competitive program of grants to organizations which utilize older adults; and a forum of key experts to recommend strategies for national replication.

• MetLife Foundation Older Adults Enrich Community Awards — The program celebrates the accomplish-ments of older adults who already volunteer and make significant contributions to their communities. The most recent award winners span 55 to 90 years of age.

• American Federation for Aging Research Medical Student Training in Aging Research Program — This educational program for medical students addresses the shortage of physicians for the older population.

• Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives — This initiative is designed to provide consumer information on the importance of maintaining good brain health and mental fitness. Though a series of live public forums in major cities across the country, panel discussions with leading neuroscientists provide the lay public with clear and accurate information about how to preserve memory and other mental abilities during the aging process.

• MetLife Foundation MindAlert Program — To focus on the importance of mental fitness, MetLife Foundation and the American Society on Aging developed the MindAlert Program. Based on the concept that the brain, like the rest of the body, can benefit from exercise and a healthy lifestyle, the MindAlert Awards recognize community-based programs that enhance the mental vitality of older adults.

• The Amazing Feats of Aging — Organized by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and co-sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, this traveling exhibit looks at various aspects of aging.

• Life (Part 2) — This PBS series on aging, produced by Twin Cities Television and funded by MetLife Foundation, challenges the stereotypes of aging and addresses such issues as health, finance, caregiving, social issues and relationships in a highly engaging format. Life (Part 2) features writers, thinkers, performers as well as ordinary people.

• NPR Aging Series — This radio series examines current issues, concerns and developments that affect older Americans. Segments air throughout the year on NPR drive-time programs, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Talk of the Nation.

Alzheimer's Association: The world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research

Alzheimer's Disease International:  Through a global federation of Alzheimer's Associations, ADI supports medical research, awareness and education campaigns, and advocates for people with the disease and their caregivers.