Welcome to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey Advocacy Blog!

Welcome readers! As a part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, our chapter is starting this blog in order to engage with our advocates and also to keep them informed on the latest advocacy and public policy work in New Jersey. We will post on a monthly basis.

We want to talk about Alzheimer’s disease and the impact this disease has in our country and our state. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer’s disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it. We now know that Alzheimer’s is a progressive and fatal brain disease; it is the most common form of dementia; and it has no cure.

Currently more than 5.3 million Americans struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and that number continues to grow because every 70 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the emotional and physical stress that Alzheimer’s disease causes, it is a financial nightmare for caregivers and for our country’s healthcare system. Alzheimer's and dementia triple healthcare costs for Americans age 65 and older. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each year.

We hope that this blog is a vehicle that will allow advocates to join together and make our VOICE heard! Public policy and advocacy plays a crucial role in helping to ease the burden of Alzheimer’s disease. There are a number of polices that the Greater New Jersey Chapter advocates for on the federal and state level that will help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Here are just a few things we are working on:

Federal

The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2009 (S. 1492 & H.R. 3286): This legislation calls for a significant increase of funding for Alzheimer's at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to $2 billion. This legislation authorizes the necessary resources to restore momentum in the pursuit of better diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Advances and progress in the various areas of Alzheimer research have the potential to save millions of lives and save billions of dollars to the nation's public health programs.

The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (S.1555): This legislation calls for the fundamental need for a coordinated federal approach to confront one of America’s most feared and costly diseases.

State

Alzheimer’s Disease Study Commission (S2872/A4008): This legislation will create an Alzheimer’s Disease Study Commission in the state of NJ. The Commission will: give an overview of the impact of Alzheimer's disease in New Jersey; analyze all areas affected by Alzheimer's issues; identify existing services and service gaps; and propose legislation to the New Jersey Legislature and the Governor on how the state can better serve individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

Importance of Advocacy During Memory Walk

To explain why advocacy is important during Memory Walk, I’d like to first answer this question:

What does advocacy mean?

Advocacy means giving aid or support to a cause. To be an advocate means to aid or support on behalf of someone. At the Alzheimer's Association’s, an advocate lives up to the full meaning of the definition. Individuals with Alzheimer’s cannot always speak up for themselves and fight for their rights. It is a job of the advocate to fight for them. It is the job of an advocate to hear their concerns and make the changes. An advocate can be anybody, a caregiver, a professional, a friend, family member, or just someone who wants to help. To be a successful advocate the most important thing is to listen.

An advocate can do many things. Here are some examples:

• Participate in events and help to raise awareness.

• Write, call or even visit your legislator. Tell him or her your personal story and what you feel needs to be changed/improved in our laws.

• Send your story or opinion on an issue to your local newspaper.

Memory Walk is our largest grassroots community event. At these walks all advocates have the opportunity to voice their support of the Association's policy goals to Congress. Memory Walk allows for the chance to target a large group of individuals who are there for the same cause and can give support to the millions who struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. So, put on your walking shoes and join us at this year’s Memory Walk and sign up to become an advocate and encourage other to sign up as well! Help give voice the 5.3 million Americans who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.

Next month’s post will cover: Memory Walk update; importance of advocacy during Memory Walk; Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month/Day activities; public policy Updates

For more information about public policy and advocacy, please visit http://www.alznj.org/. Thank you for visiting our blog; we welcome your comments here.