[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 416--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL AS 
                      PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH

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

                              S. Res. 416

       Whereas Parkinson's disease is the second most common 
     neurodegenerative disease in the United States, second only 
     to Alzheimer's disease;
       Whereas there is inadequate comprehensive data on the 
     incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease, as of 2011, 
     it is estimated that the disease affects from 500,000 to 
     1,500,000 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 tremors, slowness, difficulty with 
     balance, swallowing, chewing, 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; and
       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: 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 knowledge of 
     the 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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