[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 474 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 474

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

               March 26 (legislative day, March 25), 2010

 Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Johanns, and Mr. Udall of 
Colorado) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
                               agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


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

Whereas Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease 
        in the United States, second only to Alzheimer's disease;
Whereas even though there is inadequate comprehensive data on the incidence and 
        prevalence of Parkinson's disease, as of 2010, it is estimated that the 
        disease affects over 1,000,000 people in the United States;
Whereas although research suggests the cause of Parkinson's disease is a 
        combination of genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause and 
        progression of the disease is still unknown;
Whereas there is no objective test for Parkinson's disease and the rate of 
        misdiagnosis can be high;
Whereas symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and include 
        tremor, slowness, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and 
        speaking, rigidity, cognitive problems, dementia, mood disorders, such 
        as depression and anxiety, constipation, skin problems, and sleep 
        disruptions;
Whereas medications mask some symptoms of Parkinson's disease for a limited 
        amount of time each day, often with dose-limiting side-effects;
Whereas ultimately the medications and treatments lose their effectiveness, 
        generally after 4 to 8 years, leaving the person unable to move, speak, 
        or swallow;
Whereas there is no cure, therapy, or drug to slow or halt the progression of 
        Parkinson's disease;
Whereas increased education and research are needed to help find more effective 
        treatments with fewer side effects and, ultimately, an effective 
        treatment or cure for Parkinson's disease;
Whereas the Federal Government, through the National Institutes of Health, the 
        Department of Defense Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson's Research 
        Program, the Veterans Affairs Parkinson's Disease Research, Education 
        and Clinical Centers, and other agencies, supports vital work to better 
        understand Parkinson's disease and to find new treatments; and
Whereas the Parkinson's community will gather in Central Park on April 24, 2010, 
        for the Parkinson's Unity Walk, an annual gathering inspiring people 
        with Parkinson's, their friends, and their families: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the designation of April 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 eventually, a cure for Parkinson's disease;
            (4) recognizes the people living with Parkinson's who 
        participate in vital clinical trials to advance our knowledge 
        of this disease; and
            (5) commends the dedication of local and regional 
        organizations, volunteers, and millions of Americans across the 
        country working to improve the quality of life of persons 
        living with Parkinson's disease and their families.
                                 <all>