Title: A resolution supporting the designation of April 2018 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Designates April 2018 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. 484 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 484

  Supporting the designation of April 2018 as ``Parkinson's Awareness 
                                Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 25, 2018

  Mr. Isakson (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Supporting the designation of April 2018 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 it is estimated to affect nearly 1,000,000 individuals in 
        the United States, with that number expected to more than double by 
        2040;
Whereas Parkinson's disease is the 14th leading cause of death in the United 
        States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
Whereas millions of individuals in the United States are caregivers, family 
        members, and friends who are greatly impacted by Parkinson's disease;
Whereas research suggests the cause of Parkinson's disease is a combination of 
        genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause in most 
        individuals is still unknown;
Whereas there is currently no objective test or biomarker to diagnose 
        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 can 
        include--

    (1) tremors;

    (2) slowness of movement and rigidity;

    (3) gait and balance difficulty;

    (4) speech and swallowing disturbances;

    (5) cognitive impairment and dementia;

    (6) mood disorders; and

    (7) a variety of other non-motor symptoms;

Whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals are 
        working to improve the quality of life of individuals living with 
        Parkinson's disease and their families; and
Whereas increased research, education, and community support services are needed 
        to find more effective treatments and to provide access to quality care 
        to those living with Parkinson's disease today: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates April 2018 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 country 
        working to improve the quality of life of individuals living 
        with Parkinson's disease and their families.
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