SENATE RESOLUTION 157--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL 2019 AS ``PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH''; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 62
(Senate - April 10, 2019)
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[Page S2391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 157--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL 2019 AS
``PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH''
Mr. ISAKSON (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 157
Whereas Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive
neurological disease and the second most common
neurodegenerative disease in the United States;
Whereas, although there is inadequate data on the incidence
and prevalence of Parkinson's disease, the disease is
estimated to affect between 500,000 and 1,000,000 individuals
in the United States, with that number expected to more than
double by 2040;
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Parkinson's disease is the 14th leading cause of
death in the United States;
Whereas millions of individuals in the United States are
greatly impacted by Parkinson's disease, including the
caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals living
with Parkinson's disease;
Whereas research suggests that the cause of Parkinson's
disease is a combination of genetic and environmental
factors, but the exact cause of the disease in most
individuals is still unknown;
Whereas, as of March 2019, there is no objective test or
biomarker with which to diagnose Parkinson's disease;
Whereas there is no known cure or drug to slow or halt the
progression of Parkinson's disease, and available treatments
are limited in their ability to address the medical needs of
patients and remain effective over time;
Whereas the symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from
person to person and may include--
(1) tremors;
(2) slowness of movement and rigidity;
(3) problems with gait and balance;
(4) disturbances in speech and swallowing;
(5) cognitive impairment and dementia;
(6) mood disorders; and
(7) a variety of other nonmotor symptoms;
Whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical
professionals are working to improve the quality of life of--
(1) individuals living with Parkinson's disease; and
(2) the families of those individuals; and
Whereas increased research, education, and community
support services are needed--
(1) to find more effective treatments; and
(2) to provide access to quality care to individuals living
with Parkinson's disease: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates April 2019 as ``Parkinson's Awareness
Month'';
(2) supports the goals and ideals of Parkinson's Awareness
Month;
(3) continues to support research to find better treatments
and a cure for Parkinson's disease;
(4) recognizes the individuals living with Parkinson's
disease who participate in vital clinical trials to advance
the knowledge of the disease; and
(5) commends the dedication of the organizations,
volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals across
the United States who are working to improve the quality of
life of--
(A) individuals living with Parkinson's disease; and
(B) the families of those individuals.
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