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[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 118 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 118

  Supporting the designation of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 25, 2013

Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Isakson, and Mr. 
 Johanns) 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 a chronic, progressive, neurological disease and 
        is the second most common neurological disease in the United States;
Whereas there is inadequate comprehensive data on the incidence and prevalence 
        of Parkinson's disease, nevertheless it is estimated that the disease 
        affects 500,000 to 1,500,000 people in the United States and the 
        prevalence will more than double by 2040;
Whereas there are millions of Americans who are caregivers, family members, and 
        friends greatly impacted by Parkinson's disease every day;
Whereas it is estimated that the economic burden of Parkinson's disease is 
        $14,400,000,000, including indirect costs to patients and family members 
        each year;
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 or biomarker for Parkinson's disease, and the 
        rate of misdiagnosis can be high;
Whereas the symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and 
        include tremors, slowness of movement, difficulty with balance, 
        swallowing, chewing, speaking, rigidity, cognitive impairment, dementia, 
        mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, constipation, skin 
        problems, and sleep difficulties;
Whereas there is currently no cure, therapy, or drug to slow or halt the 
        progression of Parkinson's disease;
Whereas medications mask some symptoms of Parkinson's disease for a limited 
        amount of time each day, often with dose-limiting side effects, and 
        ultimately lose their effectiveness, leaving the person unable to move, 
        speak or swallow; and
Whereas increased education and research are needed to find more effective 
        treatments with fewer side effects and, ultimately, an effective 
        treatment or cure for Parkinson's disease: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the designation of April 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 eventually, a cure for Parkinson's disease;
            (4) recognizes the people living with Parkinson's who 
        participate in vital clinical trials to advance the knowledge 
        of the disease; and
            (5) commends the dedication of State, local, regional, and 
        national organizations, volunteers, researchers and millions of 
        Americans across the United States working to improve the 
        quality of life of persons living with Parkinson's disease and 
        their families.
                                 <all>
```