[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 70 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 174--DESIGNATING APRIL 2021 AS ``PARKINSON'S 
                           AWARENESS MONTH''

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Thune) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 174

       Whereas Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive 
     neurological disease and the second most common 
     neurodegenerative disease in the United States;
       Whereas, although there is inadequate data on the incidence 
     and prevalence of Parkinson's disease, the disease is 
     estimated to affect between 500,000 and 1,000,000 individuals 
     in the United States, with that number expected to more than 
     double by 2040;
       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, Parkinson's disease is the 15th leading cause of 
     death in the United States;
       Whereas millions of individuals in the United States are 
     greatly impacted by Parkinson's disease, including the 
     caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals living 
     with Parkinson's disease;
       Whereas research suggests that the cause of Parkinson's 
     disease is a combination of genetic and environmental 
     factors, but the exact cause of the disease in most 
     individuals is still unknown;
       Whereas, as of March 2021, there is no objective test or 
     biomarker with which 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 may include--
       (1) tremors;
       (2) slowness of movement and rigidity;
       (3) problems with gait and balance;
       (4) disturbances in speech and swallowing;
       (5) cognitive impairment and dementia;
       (6) mood disorders; and
       (7) a variety of other nonmotor symptoms;
       Whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical 
     professionals are working to improve the quality of life of--
       (1) individuals living with Parkinson's disease; and
       (2) the families of those individuals; and
       Whereas increased research, education, and community 
     support services are needed--
       (1) to find more effective treatments; and
       (2) to provide access to quality care to individuals living 
     with Parkinson's disease: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 2021 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 the organizations, 
     volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals across 
     the United States who are working to improve the quality of 
     life of--
       (A) individuals living with Parkinson's disease; and
       (B) the families of those individuals.

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