New Jersey § 36:2-23

§ 36:2-23.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Alzheimer's Disease is a terminal, organic brain disease of unknown origin that

causes steady brain deterioration and leads to a complete breakdown of a person's

ability to communicate, move about, or control bodily functions and eventually results

in death; b. Alzheimer's Disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and

affects two to four million Americans between the ages of 40 and 80, including about

400,000 residents of New Jersey; c. While presently incurable, Alzheimer's Disease is often confused with other diseases

of intellectual impairment, thus necessitating that the specific diagnosis of a person's

medical conditions be conducted with great care, since the other causes of impairment

can be treated; d. Alzheimer's Disease has been called a disease which not only “robs the mind of

the victim” but “breaks the heart of the family” because it inflicts tremendous burdens

on loved ones who must endure emotional, social, physical and financial stress while

providing care and comfort to the victim of this ever-worsening disease; and e. While research continues in a search for cures and controls for this devastating

disease, it is important that citizens of this State develop an awareness of the nature

of Alzheimer's Disease, understand the toll it takes on the victim and his or her

family, encourage the development of support and assistance groups for these families,

and promote efforts for advocacy for the needs of those afflicted with Alzheimer's

Disease and their caregivers.