A RESOLUTION

 

1Designating the month of April 2013 as "Parkinson's Disease
2Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is believed to affect more than
4one million people in the United States; and

5WHEREAS, The average age at onset is 60 years of age, but
6some people are diagnosed at 40 years of age or younger; and

7WHEREAS, The cause of Parkinson's disease remains unclear,
8but scientists believe that environmental factors trigger the
9disease in people with a genetic susceptibility; and

10WHEREAS, Symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to
11person and include tremor, slowness, difficulty with balance,
12swallowing, chewing and speaking, rigidity, cognitive problems,
13dementia, mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety,
14constipation, skin problems and sleep disruptions; and

15WHEREAS, Medications mask some symptoms of Parkinson's
16disease for a limited amount of time each day, often with dose-


1limiting side effects; and

2WHEREAS, Ultimately the medications and treatments lose their
3effectiveness, generally after four to eight years, leaving the
4person unable to move, speak or swallow; and

5WHEREAS, There is no cure, therapy or drug to slow or halt
6the progression of Parkinson's disease; and

7WHEREAS, Increased education and research are needed to help
8find more effective treatments with fewer side effects and,
9ultimately, an effective treatment or cure for Parkinson's
10disease; therefore be it

11RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of April 2013
12as "Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.