Title: A resolution supporting the designation of April 2019 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution designates April 2019 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 157 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 157

  Supporting the designation of April 2019 as ``Parkinson's Awareness 
                                Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 10, 2019

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Supporting the designation of April 2019 as ``Parkinson's Awareness 
                                Month''.

Whereas Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease and 
        the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States;
Whereas, although there is inadequate data on the incidence and prevalence of 
        Parkinson's disease, the disease is estimated to affect between 500,000 
        and 1,000,000 individuals in the United States, with that number 
        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 millions of individuals in the United States are greatly impacted by 
        Parkinson's disease, including the caregivers, family members, and 
        friends of individuals living with Parkinson's disease;
Whereas research suggests that the cause of Parkinson's disease is a combination 
        of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause of the disease 
        in most individuals is still unknown;
Whereas, as of March 2019, there is no objective test or biomarker with which 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 may 
        include--

    (1) tremors;

    (2) slowness of movement and rigidity;

    (3) problems with gait and balance;

    (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 of--

    (1) individuals living with Parkinson's disease; and

    (2) the families of those individuals; 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 to individuals living with 
Parkinson's disease: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates April 2019 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 the organizations, 
        volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals across the 
        United States who are working to improve the quality of life 
        of--
                    (A) individuals living with Parkinson's disease; 
                and
                    (B) the families of those individuals.
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