[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 484--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL 2018 AS 
                    ``PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH''

  Mr. ISAKSON (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 484

       Whereas Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive 
     neurological disease and is the second most common 
     neurodegenerative disease in the United States;
       Whereas there is inadequate data on the incidence and 
     prevalence of Parkinson's disease, but it is estimated to 
     affect nearly 1,000,000 individuals in the United States, 
     with that number expected to more than double by 2040;
       Whereas Parkinson's disease is the 14th leading cause of 
     death in the United States according to the Centers for 
     Disease Control and Prevention;
       Whereas millions of individuals in the United States are 
     caregivers, family members, and friends who are greatly 
     impacted by Parkinson's disease;
       Whereas research suggests the cause of Parkinson's disease 
     is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but 
     the exact cause in most individuals is still unknown;
       Whereas there is currently no objective test or biomarker 
     to diagnose Parkinson's disease;
       Whereas there is no known cure or drug to slow or halt the 
     progression of Parkinson's disease, and available treatments 
     are limited in their ability to address the medical needs of 
     patients and remain effective over time;
       Whereas the symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from 
     person to person and can include--
       (1) tremors;
       (2) slowness of movement and rigidity;
       (3) gait and balance difficulty;
       (4) speech and swallowing disturbances;
       (5) cognitive impairment and dementia;
       (6) mood disorders; and
       (7) a variety of other non-motor symptoms;
       Whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical 
     professionals are working to improve the quality of life of 
     individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their 
     families; and
       Whereas increased research, education, and community 
     support services are needed to find more effective treatments 
     and to provide access to quality care to those living with 
     Parkinson's disease today: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 2018 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 a cure for Parkinson's disease;
       (4) recognizes the individuals living with Parkinson's 
     disease who participate in vital clinical trials to advance 
     the knowledge of the disease; and
       (5) commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, 
     researchers, and millions of individuals across the country 
     working to improve the quality of life of individuals living 
     with Parkinson's disease and their families.

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