A resolution designating September 25, 2023, as "National Ataxia Awareness Day", and raising awareness of ataxia, ataxia research, and the search for a cure.

Bill: 118-sres-507
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS]
Introduced: 2023-12-14
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional tributes

Neurological disorders
Latest action: action_date: 2023-12-14
text: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6011; text: CR S6002-6003)

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-12-14
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">This resolution designates 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.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;" />

action_date: 2023-12-14
action_desc: Passed Senate
text: <div><br /></div> <div>This resolution designates 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. </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> </p>

tv_txt: III 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 507 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 14, 2023 Mrs. Hyde-Smith (for herself, Mr. Murphy , Mrs. Capito , and Ms. Stabenow ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating September 25, 2023, as National Ataxia Awareness Day , and raising awareness of ataxia, ataxia research, and the search for a cure.

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 is used to classify a group of rare, inherited neurodegenerative diseases including— (1) ataxia telangiectasia; (2) episodic ataxia; (3) Friedreich’s 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 in the United States and, therefore, are recognized as rare diseases under the Orphan Drug Act ( Public Law 97–414 ; 96 Stat. 2049); 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 addiction or misuse, 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 can 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 many 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 few treatments and no cures have been approved 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) designates September 25, 2023, 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) recognizes the individuals in the United States who face challenges due to having ataxia, and the families of those individuals; and (5) encourages States, territories, and localities to support the goals of National Ataxia Awareness Day.