ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 22

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 5, 2020

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 22.

     This joint resolution designates March of each year as “Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month.”

     Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that affect both the automatic nervous system and movement.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, MSA may affect between 15,000 and 50,000 Americans, including men and women of all races.  Symptoms, including problems with heart rate, progressive loss of motor function and difficulties  with balance, coordination, gait, bladder and bowel control, speech, swallowing, and breathing advance rapidly over the course of five to 10 years once symptoms initially appear.  While there are medications that treat MSA symptoms, researchers continue to search for medications with fewer side effects as well as methods to better manage the disease until a cure is found.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.