PBS will present a special evening of programming focused on Alzheimer's disease on Sunday, August 3 starting at 9 p.m. ET (check local listings). The programming starts with a national encore broadcast of the Emmy-Award-winning THE FORGETTING: A Portrait of Alzheimer's, followed by a new half-hour discussion, The Future of Alzheimer's, moderated by actor and Alzheimer's champion David Hyde Pierce, which features a panel of medical experts and scientists discussing the latest developments in Alzheimer's. Together, the programs approach the subject of Alzheimer's in a unique manner, balancing the scientific quest to eradicate Alzheimer's disease with heartfelt, first-hand stories of families whose lives have been ravaged by it. Produced by Twin Cities Public Television, and made possible by public television viewers and PBS, along with major funding from MetLife Foundation, both will be available in Spanish through the SAP channel.
"The Forgetting can make a real difference in the lives of millions of people across the country, by providing valuable insights into the nature of Alzheimer's," said Rob Henrikson, MetLife president, chairman, and CEO. "This program tackles the Alzheimer's crisis in a powerful, moving way, and MetLife is proud to support this important program."
The number of people living with Alzheimer's is quickly rising, and is expected to increase dramatically as the Baby Boom generation ages. Over five million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, including one in eight persons over age 65, meaning that 19 million Americans have a family member with the disease. The impact on families can be devastating -- physically, emotionally, and financially -- as caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is more demanding and time-consuming than other caregiving, and takes a heavier toll on work and family life. The financial impact of caring for someone with Alzheimer's is often huge: nursing homes average $42,000 a year, and can run $70,000 or more in some areas, but more than 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home, where family and friends provide most of the care, thereby adversely affecting their earning capacity.
Enhancing the documentary is a comprehensive interactive website that is designed to serve as a center for resources, support and materials for Alzheimer's patients, their families and caregivers. For more information, visit www.pbs.org/theforgetting/ after July 29.
MetLife Foundation has supported Alzheimer's disease research and outreach activities for more than 20 years. The Foundation has awarded over $11 million in grants through its Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease program, and has also provided support to the Alzheimer's Association for initiatives including caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program. For information about MetLife Foundation, please visit www.metlife.org.
THE FORGETTING: Portrait of Alzheimer's and THE FUTURE OF ALZHEIMER'S with David Hyde Pierce are produced by Twin Cities Public Television. The executive producer is Naomi S. Boak. The producer and director of THE FORGETTING is Elizabeth Arledge. The producers of THE FUTURE OF ALZHEIMER'S with David Hyde Pierce are Ron Fried and Lorraine Kreahling. The documentary is based on the book, The Forgetting: Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic by David Shenk. The editor is Doug Quade, with cinematography by Erich Roland. Original music is by Mason Daring. Gerald Richman is executive in charge
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