California Revenue And Taxation Code Section 18761

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) Alzheimer`s disease and related dementia disorders are devastating health conditions that cause a loss of intellectual functioning so severe that they interfere with an individual`s daily functioning and eventually result in death. These conditions affect 10 percent of Californians over the age of 65 years and 50 percent of Californians who are 85 years of age or older. They cause serious financial, social, and emotional hardships on those affected and on their family caregivers. (b) The total annual cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer` s disease and other dementia disorders in California is over $10 billion. These conditions cost California businesses $3.3 billion annually, most of which is due to the lost productivity of family caregivers. Approximately 50 percent of all nursing home admissions in California are attributable to Alzheimer`s disease and related dementia disorders. (c) While scientists have made great strides in understanding Alzheimer`s disease and other causes of dementia, there is no known prevention or cure at this time. (d) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this article, to establish a systematic program for the conduct of research regarding the cause, prevention, diagnosis, cure, and treatment of Alzheimer`s disease and related disorders. The outcome of this research may have direct effects and consequences on the development of a comprehensive system that will provide diagnoses and treatment to victims of those health problems. This program shall award grants to eligible physicians, hospitals, laboratories, educational institutions, and other organizations and persons for the purpose of enabling those organizations and persons to conduct research.