Patricia Lombreglia, Alzheimer’s Association
On behalf of the 350,000 New Jersey individuals and families coping with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease, I would like to thank Governor Chris Christie, who on June 22 signed legislation intended to help New Jersey address the long-term needs of its individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s by creating a 15-member Alzheimer’s Disease Study Commission.
I also wish to thank the bill’s primary sponsors, Senators Christopher Connors and Jeff Van Drew, Assemblymen Brian E. Rumpf, Matthew W. Milam, Nelson T. Albano and Herb Conaway Jr., and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle for their leadership and commitment, and both houses of the Legislature, who unanimously approved the bill.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Study Commission will establish a strategic plan in New Jersey to assist in the creation of the infrastructure and accountability necessary to confront the sweeping economic and social impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders. It will study the current and future impact and incidence of the disease among state residents while examining the state’s role in long-term care, family caregiver support, and assistance to individuals with early stage and young onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
By bringing together key community leaders and stakeholders such as legislators, state agencies, health and social service care providers, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, and representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association, the state can begin to identify critical issues, develop solutions and create a roadmap that can guide the development of responsive dementia care services in New Jersey.
We are eager to move forward with this legislative victory and the impact it will have on our state’s affected individuals and families. Please call us at 973-586-4300 or visit www.alz.org/nj for more information.
Patricia Lombreglia
President and CEO
Alzheimer’s Association
