R 156

2021 -- S 0752 Enacted 03/30/2021

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

DESIGNATING APRIL OF 2021, AS "PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senator Jessica de la Cruz

Date Introduced: March 30, 2021

WHEREAS, Every April, global communities around the world recognize and support

Parkinson's Awareness Month in order to raise awareness for this devastating disease. The theme

of this year's event is "Start a Conversation, a call to action that urges people to talk about

Parkinson's with their loved ones, friends, neighbors, care team and community"; and

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

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

disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the 14th leading cause

of death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Nationally, Parkinson's disease is estimated to affect between 500,000 and

1,000,000 people with 50,000 to 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. That number is expected

to more than double by 2040, making support for the Parkinson's disease community even more

important; and

WHEREAS, Although research suggests Parkinson's disease results from a combination

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

unknown and as of January 2021, there is no objective test or biomarker with which to diagnose

the disease; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and include

tremor, slowness, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and speaking, rigidity, cognitive

problems, dementia, mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, constipation, skin problems,

and sleep disruptions; and

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 the disease; and

WHEREAS, Currently, 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

WHEREAS, Increased education and research are needed to help find more effective

treatments with fewer side effects and to ultimately find an effective treatment or cure for

Parkinson's disease; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April, 2021,

to be "Parkinson's Awareness Month"; and be it further

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

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

Rhode Island Chapter.

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LC002594

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