26:2ZZ-1 Findings, declarations relative to aphasia.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Aphasia is a disorder of the brain, which affects a person's ability to communicate, and which most commonly occurs after a stroke or traumatic brain injury;

b. Although aphasia is most common among older people, it can be acquired by people of all ages who have suffered severe head trauma;

c. A person with aphasia typically has difficulty speaking and, sometimes, difficulty with reading, writing, and understanding what other people are saying; however, the condition does not affect a person's intellect;

d. The type and severity of language dysfunction suffered by a person with aphasia depends on the precise location and extent of damaged brain tissue;

e. Generally, there are four types of aphasia: (1) expressive aphasia, which involves difficulty in conveying thoughts through speech or writing; (2) receptive aphasia, which involves difficulty in understanding spoken or written language; (3) anomic or amnesia aphasia, the least severe form of aphasia, which involves difficulty in using the correct names for particular objects, people, places, or events; and (4) global aphasia, the most severe form of aphasia, which involves the loss of almost all language function, both comprehension and expression;

f. There is no one treatment process that is proven to be effective for all types of aphasia, and although persons with aphasia usually experience improvement over time with the aid of speech therapy, rehabilitation services, and counseling, many persons with aphasia are prone to depression, hopelessness, and isolation, and tend to avoid social situations, since communication with others may lead to mutual frustration;

g. It is estimated that one million people in the United States have aphasia, more than the number of people suffering from Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy; and

h. It is, therefore, in the public interest for the State to establish a permanent aphasia task force to ensure that there are appropriate informational resources and support systems available in the State to assist persons with aphasia, and their families.

L.2017, c.55, s.1.