[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 49 (Friday, March 26, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 474--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL AS 
                      PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH

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

                              S. Res. 474

       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.

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