Expressing support for the designation of September 25, 2021, as National Ataxia Awareness Day, and raising awareness of ataxia, ataxia research, and the search for a cure.

Expressing support for the designation of September 25, 2021, as National Ataxia Awareness Day Whereas ataxia is a clinical manifestation indicating degeneration or dysfunction of the brain that negatively affects the coordination, precision, and accurate timing of physical movements; Whereas ataxia can strike individuals of all ages, including children; Whereas the term ataxia (1) ataxia telangiectasia; (2) episodic ataxia; (3) Friedreichs ataxia; and (4) spinocerebellar ataxia; Whereas there are many known types of genetic ataxia, but the genetic basis for ataxia in some patients is still unknown; Whereas all inherited ataxias affect fewer than 200,000 individuals and, therefore, are recognized as rare diseases under the Orphan Drug Act ( Public Law 97414 Whereas some genetic ataxias are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, while others are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; Whereas ataxia symptoms can also be caused by noninherited health conditions and other factors, including stroke, tumor, cerebral palsy, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, alcohol abuse, and certain medications; Whereas ataxia can present physical, psychological, and financial challenges for patients and their families; Whereas symptoms and outcomes of ataxia progress at different rates and include (1) lack of coordination; (2) slurred speech; (3) cardiomyopathy; (4) scoliosis; (5) eye movement abnormalities; (6) difficulty walking; (7) tremors; (8) trouble eating and swallowing; (9) difficulties with other activities that require fine motor skills; and (10) death; Whereas most patients with ataxia require the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers, to aid in their mobility, and many individuals may need physical and occupational therapy; Whereas there is no treatment or cure approved by the Food and Drug Administration for ataxia; and Whereas clinical research to develop safe and effective treatments for ataxia is ongoing: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the need for greater public awareness of ataxia; (2) expresses support for the designation of September 25, 2021, as National Ataxia Awareness Day (3) supports the goals of National Ataxia Awareness Day, which are (A) to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of ataxia among the general public and health care professionals; (B) to improve diagnosis of ataxia and access to care for patients affected by ataxia; and (C) to accelerate ataxia research, including on safe and effective treatment options and, ultimately, a cure; (4) acknowledges the challenges facing individuals in the United States who have ataxia and the families of those individuals; and (5) encourages States, territories, and localities to support the goals of National Ataxia Awareness Day.

Summary: This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 25, 2021, as National Ataxia Awareness Day to bring attention to this condition. Ataxia is a clinical manifestation that indicates degeneration or dysfunction of the brain that negatively affects coordination, precision, and accurate timing of physical movements.