R 218
2022 -- S 2836
Enacted 04/05/2022

S E N A T 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: Senator Jessica de la Cruz

Date Introduced: April 05, 2022

     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; and
     WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Parkinson’s is
the 14th leading cause of death in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, More than one million people in the United States are currently living with
Parkinson’s disease, with an additional 50,000 to 60,000 cases being diagnosed each year, and
with more than 3,100 residing in Rhode Island; and
     WHEREAS, Although research suggests Parkinson’s results from a combination of
genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown
and 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 can
include tremors, slowness, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, speaking, rigidity,
constipation, skin problems, cognitive problems, dementia, and mood disorders such as
depression and anxiety; 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 efforts and awareness are desperately needed to help expedite
research efforts for better treatments, and ultimately a cure, as well as creating enhanced
programs and services to help those impacted by Parkinson’s disease to improve their quality of
life until a cure is found; now, therefore be it
     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims April of
2022, to be "Parkinson’s Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island; 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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LC005713
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