DCF Boerger Fund Awards More Than $6 Million for Alzheimer’s Research

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) has awarded $6.075 million to support Alzheimer’s disease research at three regional organizations through the Paul H. Boerger Fund. Grants have been awarded to the Penn Institute of Aging at the University of Pennsylvania, the Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research at Delaware State University, and the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research at the University of Delaware. 

A five-year, $5 million grant awarded to the University of Pennsylvania will support the development of new molecular therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. At Delaware State University, a $500,000 grant will support a one-year research project to develop new mouse models that mimic the disease in humans, which will enable the development of drugs to better target pathways associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A $575,000 grant to the University of Delaware will support a one-year research project focused on linking modifiable lifestyle choices with accelerated dementia risk and identifying new interventions aimed at slowing, stopping or reversing Alzheimer’s disease.  

The Paul H. Boerger Fund at the DCF was established in 2020 through a planned gift from Paul Boerger, who died in 2017. Mr. Boerger established the fund specifically to support research to prevent and/or cure Alzheimer’s disease. 

“Incredible research in the Alzheimer’s field is happening in our region, and Mr. Boerger’s gift is accelerating that work. He has left an incredible legacy through his generosity,” DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay said. 

To learn how you can leave a legacy of generosity and community impact with a planned gift through the DCF, email [email protected]