2022 -- H 8067

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LC005663

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2022, TO BE “PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Newberry, Serpa, Filippi, Fenton-Fung, Kennedy,
Shallcross Smith, Fellela, Tanzi, McGaw, and Bennett

     Date Introduced: March 31, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease and is the

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second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, second only to Alzheimer’s

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disease; and

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     WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parkinson’s is

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the 14th leading cause of death in the United States; and

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     WHEREAS, More than one million people in the United States are currently living with

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Parkinson’s disease, with an additional 50,000 to 60,000 cases being diagnosed each year, and

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with more than 3,100 residing in Rhode Island; and

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     WHEREAS, Although research suggests Parkinson’s results from a combination of

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genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown

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and there is no objective test or biomarker with which to diagnose the disease; and

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     WHEREAS, Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person and can

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include tremors, slowness, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, speaking, rigidity,

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constipation, skin problems, cognitive problems, dementia, and mood disorders such as

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depression and anxiety; and

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     WJHEREAS, Currently there is no known cure or drug to slow or halt the progression of

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Parkinson’s disease, and available treatments are limited in their ability to address the medical

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needs of patients; and

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     WHEREAS, Increased efforts and awareness are desperately needed to help expedite

 

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research efforts for better treatments, and ultimately a cure, as well as creating enhanced

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programs and services to help those impacted by Parkinson’s disease to improve their quality of

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life until a cure is found; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

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proclaims April of 2022, to be "Parkinson’s Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and

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be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the American Parkinson Disease Association,

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Rhode Island Chapter.

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LC005663

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