[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 62 (Thursday, April 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 639--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE 
         MONTH OF APRIL 2024 AS ``PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH''

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Scott of Florida) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 639

       Whereas Parkinson's disease--
       (1) affects over 1,000,000 individuals in the United States 
     with nearly 90,000 individuals diagnosed each year;
       (2) is the fastest-growing and second most common 
     neurodegenerative disease in the world;
       (3) is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic 
     and environmental factors, but the exact cause in most 
     individuals is still unknown; and
       (4) is the 15th leading cause of death in the United 
     States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention;
       Whereas, by the year 2037, it is estimated that the number 
     of individuals in the United States with Parkinson's disease 
     will nearly double, and Parkinson's disease will cost the 
     United States at least $80,000,000,000 annually;
       Whereas the symptoms of Parkinson's disease can include 
     dementia and cognitive impairment, tremors, slowness of 
     movement and rigidity, gait and balance difficulties, speech 
     and swallowing difficulties, depression, and a variety of 
     other symptoms;
       Whereas there are millions of family caregivers, friends, 
     and loved ones whose lives are greatly affected by 
     Parkinson's disease; and
       Whereas more research, education, and community support 
     services are needed--
       (1) to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's 
     disease; and
       (2) to maintain the dignity of individuals living with 
     Parkinson's disease: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses support for the designation of the month of 
     April 2024 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 United 
     States working to improve the quality of life of people 
     living with Parkinson's disease and their families.

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