[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RESOLUTION ON APRIL AS PARKINSON'S DISEASE MONTH

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2013

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, along with my 
fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's Disease, 
Reps. Peter King and Chris Van Hollen, today I am introducing a 
resolution designating April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. As co-
chairs of the Caucus we have worked to bring attention to the second 
most common neurological disease in the United States. This chronic, 
progressive neurological disease debilitates those living with 
Parkinson's and affects their families, as well. In the U.S. there are 
an estimated 500,000 to 1.5 million people with Parkinson's disease, 
with some predictions showing the prevalence will more than double by 
2040.
  Currently, there is no therapy or drug to slow its progression and a 
cure has yet to be found. This resolution supports continued education 
and research to find more effective treatments and eventually a cure. 
It also applauds the dedicated organizations, volunteers, medical 
researchers, and millions of Americans working to improve the quality 
of life of persons living with Parkinson's disease and their families.
  As the loved one of someone afflicted by Parkinson's disease, I 
witnessed personally the effect of Parkinson's disease on my father. As 
a result, I know firsthand that we must provide support to the loved 
ones, caregivers and researchers attempting to improve the welfare of 
those living with Parkinson's. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.

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