Senate Committee Advances Legislation to Raise Alzheimer’s Awareness

Trenton – To better meet the needs of our aging population, the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee passed two bills that would raise awareness and provide proper evaluation for Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

The first bill, S-1673, sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein and Nellie Pou, would require the Department of Human Services to establish the Alzheimer’s disease public awareness campaign. The program would promote public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, the value of early detection and possible treatments, including the benefits and risks of those treatments.

“Many of us know at least one loved one that has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “This disease is relentless and it can be heartbreaking to witness your family member‘s memory diminish more and more each day. This bill is essential to promote public awareness of the disease so that we can better help those affected by Alzheimer’s.”

“By 2025, the number of seniors living with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase to 210,000,” said Senator Pou (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Currently, there are no medicines that are effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, with the disease taking an enormous emotional, psychological, financial, and physical toll on patients, caregivers, and their families. Increased awareness and education are needed in order to better respond to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers, and families, hopefully bringing us closer to finding a cure.”

The second bill, S-2796, sponsored by Senators Joseph Vitale and Richard Codey, would establish the “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Long-Term Planning Commission” in the Department of Human Services (DHS). The program would provide for the ongoing evaluation of the state’s Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia care system to identify the means and methods to address significant shortcomings in the system.

“Alzheimer’s disease progresses in a gradual and insidious manner, with the lifespan after diagnosis varying anywhere from eight to 20 years,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex), Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. “The disease causes significant physical and mental burdens to individuals who have the disease and to their caregivers, oftentimes incurring a large cost. This bill would establish a commission of 12 members that will regularly evaluate the best measures to assist both patients and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s.”

“As of 2016, Alzheimer’s disease was ranked as the fourth most burdensome disease in terms of the total number of years of life that are lived with a disability,” said Senator Codey (D-Essex/Morris). “Alzheimer’s does not only affect one’s ability to recall memories, but their ability to complete necessary life functions such as bathing, dressing, and navigating transportation systems. This program is essential in order to identify the ways in which we can further assist both patients and their caregivers going forward.”

Both bills were released from committee by votes of 8-0.