Supporting the designation of April 2016 as Parkinsons Awareness Month.

Supporting the designation of April 2016 as Parkinsons Awareness Month Whereas Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons disease, but the disease affects an estimated 500,000 to 1,500,000 individuals in the United States; Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parkinsons 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 caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals with Parkinson's disease; Whereas the economic burden of Parkinsons disease is an estimated $14,400,000,000 each year, including indirect costs to patients and family members of $6,300,000,000 each year; Whereas although research suggests that the cause of Parkinsons disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause and progression of the disease remains unknown; Whereas an objective test or biomarker for diagnosing Parkinsons disease does not exist; Whereas a cure or drug to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease does not exist; Whereas the symptoms of Parkinsons disease vary from person to person and include tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and speaking, cognitive impairment, dementia, mood disorders, and a variety of other nonmotor symptoms; Whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease and the families of those individuals; and Whereas developing more effective treatments for Parkinson's disease and providing access to quality care to individuals with Parkinson's disease requires increased research, education, and community support services: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates April 2016 as Parkinson's Awareness Month (2) supports the goals and ideals of Parkinson's Awareness Month; (3) continues to support research to develop more effective treatments for Parkinson's disease and to ultimately find a cure for the disease; (4) recognizes the individuals with Parkinson's disease who participate in vital clinical trials to advance the knowledge of the disease; and (5) commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals in the United States working to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease and the families of those individuals.

Summary: Designates April 2016 as Parkinson's Awareness Month. Expresses support for research to develop more effective treatments and to ultimately find a cure for Parkinson's disease. Recognizes individuals with Parkinson's disease who participate in clinical trials. Commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals in the United States working to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their families.