News Brief

CHAPEL HILL -- Dr. Philip D. Sloane, Elizabeth and Oscar Goodwin Distinguished Professor of Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, received a major award Sunday (July 18) from the national Alzheimer's Association, along with $1 million in promised research support.

The money, given as part of the association’s Pioneer Award, will pay for a research project at UNC titled, "Improving Medical Care of Assisted Living Residents with Dementia." Sloane is directing the project.

Presented at the 9^th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders in Philadelphia, the award is the only one of its kind in the country and is one of the largest available to scientists investigating the progressive, degenerative neurological illness. The support it provides will cover five years.

The association recognizes one distinguished U.S. senior researcher annually, helping advance the recipient’s work by providing financial resources and flexibility.

Sloane co-directs the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research’s Program on Aging, Disability and Long-Term Care at UNC.

The Gelfand family of Palm Springs, Calif., provided the money for this year’s award as part of its continuing support for the association’s research programs.

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Note: Sloane can be reached at (919) 966-4439 or psloane@med.unc.edu. Photos are available by calling Ashley Cannon at 843-6882.

News Services Contact: David Williamson, 962-8596