THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY BOSCOLA, APRIL 14, 2010

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, APRIL 14, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Designating the month of April 2010 as "Parkinson's Disease

Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is believed to affect

approximately 1 million people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 40% of persons with Parkinson's

disease are under 60 years of age; and

WHEREAS, The cause of Parkinson's disease remains unclear,

but scientists believe that environmental factors trigger the

disease in people with a genetic susceptibility; and

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease has been described as being the

opposite of Alzheimer's disease: while Alzheimer's destroys the

mind, leaving the body intact and functioning, Parkinson's

destroys motor systems but allows mental function; and

WHEREAS, The two most prevalent types of Parkinson's disease

are early-onset Parkinson's disease and late-onset Parkinson's

disease; and

WHEREAS, Early-onset Parkinson's disease begins before age 50

and accounts for 5% to 10% of all cases; and

WHEREAS, Late-onset Parkinson's disease starts at age 50 or

older and accounts for most cases of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Presently there is no cure for Parkinson's disease;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of April 2010

as "Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.