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NJ SJR142
NJ SJR142Designates last full week of September of each year as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in NJ.
summary
Introduced
10/24/2024
10/24/2024
In Committee
10/24/2024
10/24/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution designates the last full week of September of each year as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in New Jersey. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or frontotemporal degeneration, refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal lobes or temporal lobes. FTD is a terminal and incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes impairments to speech, personality, behavior, and motor skills. Approximately 40 percent of individuals living with FTD have a family history of the disease or a related condition like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Due to its broad range of cognitive and behavioral symptoms, FTD is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric condition or another neurodegenerative disease. An individual living with FTD may lose their sense of social propriety and experience significant changes in their personality. They might also struggle with understanding grammar, lose the meaning of words, become hesitant in their speech, and may eventually become mute. A person living with FTD may also experience physical changes such as muscle weakness which can lead to loss of balance and increased falls. Research at both the national and global level is needed to enhance our understanding of FTD and ultimately discover a cure. In New Jersey there are an estimated 185,000 people living with Alzheimer's dementia. It is unknown how many New Jerseyans are living with FTD. Increasing FTD awareness through public events focused on the impact that FTD has on communities is key to informing New Jerseyans of this often overlooked and incurable terminal neurodegenerative medical condition. Designating the last full week of September as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" would provide New Jerseyans with an annual reminder on the effects that FTD has on New Jerseyans diagnosed with FTD.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates the last full week of September as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in New Jersey to raise public consciousness about frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a rare and complex neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects individuals between ages 45 and 64. The resolution highlights that FTD is a terminal, incurable condition causing significant impairments to speech, personality, behavior, and motor skills, and accounts for 5-15% of all dementia cases, with the highest prevalence among those under 60. By establishing this awareness week, the resolution aims to educate the public about the challenges faced by those living with FTD, which can be difficult to diagnose and often takes an average of 3.6 years to receive an accurate diagnosis. The resolution emphasizes that approximately 40% of FTD cases have a family history, and the condition can cause dramatic personality changes, communication difficulties, and physical deterioration. Additionally, the resolution calls on the Governor to issue an annual proclamation and encourages public officials and citizens to participate in awareness activities, ultimately seeking to increase understanding and support for individuals and families affected by this complex neurological condition.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 10/24/2024)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SJR142 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SJR/142_I1.HTM |
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