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[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 134 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 134

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                   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
    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 knowledge of 
        this disease; and
            (5) 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.
                                 <all>
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