4.12.2006 ET

(CSRwire) CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2006--Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias know no boundaries. To better assist the rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino community, MetLife Foundation has awarded the Alzheimer's Association a $150,000 grant, to support the continuation of outreach activities in five Association chapters and help replicate these programs as "best practice" models in an additional six to eight chapters.

"This grant will help us continue our diversity initiatives and improve Alzheimer awareness, knowledge and care services in Hispanic communities across the country," said Barbara Newhouse, Vice President of Chapter Services for the Alzheimer's Association. "We are grateful to MetLife Foundation, which has consistently supported our outreach efforts for the last two decades."

According to Census 2000, 12.5 percent of the U.S. population is Hispanic/Latino, which represents an increase of 58 percent between 1990 and 2000. This population is expected to grow significantly in the years ahead, and also, increasingly face Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, in fact, the number of Hispanics with Alzheimer's in the United States is expected to increase 600 percent, to 1.3 million.

In order to provide this population with information and support, communication is a critical component, and the Alzheimer's Association will use the grant money to continue successful Hispanic outreach activities in El Paso, Denver, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Watertown, Mass. In addition, the "best practices" of these chapters will be replicated in 6-8 additional chapters, and funding also will be used to develop innovative materials for use by other national chapters.

"MetLife Foundation is pleased to support this project, which we believe will provide much-needed resources to the Latino community,"
said Sibyl Jacobson, President, MetLife Foundation.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs. In aging, the Foundation funds programs that promote healthy aging and address issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, and volunteerism. The Foundation also supports research on Alzheimer's disease through its Awards for Medical Research program. More information about the Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For nearly 25 years, the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

The Alzheimer's Association's vision is a world without Alzheimer's and its dual mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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