Title: A resolution supporting the designation of April 2017 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Designates April 2017 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Expresses support for research to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease.
Recognizes individuals living with Parkinson's disease who participate in clinical trials.
Commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals across the United States working to improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their families.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 140 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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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 caregivers, 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

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates April 2017 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 a cure for Parkinson's disease;
            (4) recognizes the individuals living 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 across the United 
        States working to improve the quality of life for individuals 
        living with Parkinson's disease and their families.
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