III 

115TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 140 

Supporting the designation of April 2017 as ‘‘Parkinson’s Awareness Month’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

APRIL 25, 2017 

Mr. ISAKSON (for himself and Ms. STABENOW) submitted the following 

resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the designation of April 2017 as ‘‘Parkinson’s 

Awareness Month’’. 

Whereas Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease and is the second most common 

neurodegenerative disease in the United States; 

Whereas there is inadequate data on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, but the disease affects an 

estimated 1,000,000 individuals in the United States and 

its prevalence is 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 every day Parkinson’s disease greatly impacts millions of individuals in the United States who are careVerDate Sep 11 2014 22:12 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 069200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR140.ATS SR140

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•SRES 140 ATS 

givers, family members, and friends of individuals with 

Parkinson’s disease; 

Whereas, although research suggests that the cause of Parkinson’s disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause of the disease in most individuals is still unknown; 

Whereas, as of March 2017, there is no objective test or biomarker for diagnosing 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) difficulty with balance and gait; 

(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 for 

individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families; 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 for individuals 

living with Parkinson’s disease: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 


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•SRES 140 ATS 

1 (1) designates April 2017 as ‘‘Parkinson’s 

2 Awareness Month’’; 

3 (2) supports the goals and ideals of Parkinson’s 

4 Awareness Month; 

5 (3) continues to support research to find better 

6 treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease; 

7 (4) recognizes the individuals living with Par8 kinson’s disease who participate in vital clinical 

9 trials to advance the knowledge of the disease; and 

10 (5) commends the dedication of organizations, 

11 volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals 

12 across the United States working to improve the 

13 quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s 

14 disease and their families. 

Æ 


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