Directors Guild Foundation Makes Ten Year Commitment to MPTF In Support of Cognitive Wellness Programs

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today MPTF announced a ten year commitment from the Directors Guild Foundation to support an ambitious research program exploring the relationship between cognitive health and wellness programs.  First up is a two year study to assess whether the cognitive benefits of combining memory training with physical exercise programs delays the onset of Alzheimer's dementia symptoms. MPTF will partner with the UCLA Longevity Center on the first phase of this research.

"The long history of support for MPTF from the Directors Guild Foundation will take a new and exciting direction with this ten year grant," says Bob Beitcher, MPTF President and CEO.  "Along with the UCLA Longevity Center and its director, Gary Small, M.D., we look forward to gathering insights that will ultimately help entertainment industry members live healthier and richer lives."

"The Directors Guild Foundation is proud to be a longstanding supporter of MPTF and its programs to enhance the wellbeing of the entertainment community," adds Donald Petrie, Chairman of the Directors Guild Foundation.  "We are excited that our contribution enables MPTF to be at the forefront of the exciting work it is doing with the UCLA Longevity Center. We hope this work will add to the quality of life of our members and that of the entire entertainment community, helping each of us to remain active longer than ever before. The establishment of the DGA Foundation Cognitive Wellness Program is the first step in a long term commitment towards supporting this research effort."

"Recent scientific evidence indicates that lifestyle habits such as physical and mental exercise reduce Alzheimer's risk and may forestall symptom onset," explains Gary Small, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the UCLA Longevity Center.  "We hope that this study will provide us with a greater insight into these factors," Small adds.  Over five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

"This collaboration between UCLA and MPTF expands our existing relationship and creates new avenues for cutting-edge research to be translated into measures we can take to improve our brain health," says Scott Kaiser, M.D., MPTF Chief Innovation Officer, who will lead the study for MPTF. "The Directors Guild Foundation grant will allow us to develop novel programs, directly informed by our research, and implement them to both improve the health and well-being of our community and have a broader impact in a world facing an alarming rise in the prevalence of dementia," Kaiser concludes.

Over 140 entertainment industry member "volunteers" will be recruited into the program at The Saban Center for Health & Wellness on MPTF's Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills.  MPTF and UCLA Longevity Center will publish the criteria for volunteers shortly and begin identifying participants thereafter.

About MPTF
For 90 years, MPTF (Motion Picture & Television Fund) has served as a beacon of hope for entertainment industry members in their time of need. As a charitable organization, MPTF provides financial assistance and services essential to the wellbeing of the community and is a leader in the development and implementation of services and programs for seniors and those who care for them. MPTF is supported by the generosity of corporate donors and fellow entertainment industry members who contribute their time and money because they believe in the critical importance of Hollywood Helping Hollywood. For more information, visit www.MPTF.com or follow @MPTF Facebook/Twitter.

About UCLA Longevity Center
The UCLA Longevity Center, part of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, promotes healthy aging lifestyles and strives to build a community that helps people live better, longer. The Center operates within an esteemed academic institution that translates cutting-edge science and technology into useful applications. With interdisciplinary support from foremost specialists in medicine, dentistry, biochemistry, economics, psychology, social welfare, and public health, the center builds on UCLA's recognized excellence in the care of older adults.  For more information, visit www.longevity.ucla.edu.

About the Directors Guild Foundation
Founded in 1945, the Directors Guild Foundation (DGF) has maintained a proud tradition of service to Directors Guild of America members facing short-term financial hardship.  Today, the DGF continues its vital mission of serving DGA members in need, preserving our art form and directly supporting organizations that are responsible for the physical health and well-being of DGA members and members of the entertainment community.  The Foundation is supported by the generosity of Guild members, fellow entertainment industry partners and corporate donors.  For more information, visit www.dga.org.

SOURCE MPTF

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