III
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 134
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 6 (legislative day, April 5), 2011
Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Johanns, and Mrs. Hutchison) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Supporting the designation of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Whereas Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, second only to Alzheimer's disease;
Whereas even though there is inadequate comprehensive data on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease, as of 2011, it is estimated that the disease affects over 1,000,000 people in the United States;
Whereas although research suggests the cause of Parkinson's disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown;
Whereas there is no objective test for Parkinson's disease, and the rate of misdiagnosis can be high;
Whereas symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and include tremors, slowness, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and speaking, rigidity, cognitive problems, dementia, mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, constipation, skin problems, and sleep disruptions;
Whereas medications mask some symptoms of Parkinson's disease for a limited amount of time each day, often with dose-limiting side effects;
Whereas ultimately the medications and treatments lose their effectiveness, generally after 4 to 8 years, leaving the person unable to move, speak, or swallow;
Whereas there is no cure, therapy, or drug to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease; and
Whereas increased education and research are needed to help find more effective treatments with fewer side effects and, ultimately, an effective treatment or cure for Parkinson's disease: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
supports the designation of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month;
supports the goals and ideals of Parkinson's Awareness Month;
continues to support research to find better treatments, and eventually, a cure for Parkinson's disease;
recognizes the people living with Parkinson's who participate in vital clinical trials to advance knowledge of this disease; and
commends the dedication of local and regional organizations, volunteers, and millions of Americans across the country working to improve the quality of life of persons living with Parkinson's disease and their families.