Increase Public and Health Care Provider Awareness Around Alzheimer’s Disease
Currently, only 50% of those living with Alzheimer's disease receive a formal diagnosis. This needs to change. Educating clinicians, public health professionals and the public on the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias and the importance of a timely diagnosis is the first step in ensuring that anyone diagnosed with this disease can benefit from future treatments, care planning and clinical trials. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging legislators to support legislation (A2632) to prioritize Alzheimer’s into public health campaigns to increase education among the public and health care providers on the benefits of early detection and diagnosis, risk reduction, and care planning.
Empower Adult Protective Services Workers with Dementia-Training
Adult Protective Services (APS) workers are on the front lines of protecting older adults from exploitation and harm. Many of the adults they are charged to protect are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and it is critical that these workers have the training to understand how to best serve this population. That’s why the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation (A-4444) to ensure all APS workers be trained regarding dementia, communication with individuals, and spotting cases of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.
New Jersey State Plan Overview
In June 2011, the New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Study Commission was established with the enactment of Senate Bill 125 to study the current and future impact and incidence of Alzheimer's disease within the state. The Commission was tasked with making recommendations for improving, expanding, and improving services within the state to meet the needs of those affected by Alzheimer's and included representatives from state agencies, direct service providers, long-term care providers, community organizations, and the faith communities as well as state legislators, caregivers, and those living with the disease. The New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Study Commission Report was published in August 2016.
New Jersey State Advocacy Day
June 10, 2021
Join fellow Alzheimer’s advocates and make your voice heard in urging New Jersey legislators to support people with dementia and their families. We are planning informative and engaging events with state government leaders in June to highlight the urgent need for increased public awareness and dementia training for Adult Protective Services workers. More information will be released soon.
