Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Designating April 2015 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Body
WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease and is the second most common neurological disease in the United States; and
WHEREAS, there is inadequate comprehensive data on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease, nevertheless it is estimated that the disease affects 500,000 to 1.5 million people in the United States and the prevalence will more than double by 2040; and,
WHEREAS, there are millions of Americans who are caregivers, family members, and friends greatly impacted by Parkinson's disease every day; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that the economic burden of Parkinson's disease is $14.4 billion a year, including indirect costs to patients and family members; and,
WHEREAS, although research suggests the cause of Parkinson's disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown; and,
WHEREAS, there is no objective test or biomarker for Parkinson's disease, and the rate of misdiagnosis can be high; and,
WHEREAS, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and include tremors, slowness of movement, impaired balance and coordination, cognitive changes, difficulty speaking, digestive problems and sleep disruptions; and,
WHEREAS, there is currently no cure, therapy, or drug to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease; and,
WHEREAS, medications mask some symptoms of Parkinson's disease for a limited amount of time each day, often with dose-limiting side effects, and ultimately lose their effectiveness, leaving the person unable to move, speak or swallow; and,
WHEREAS, increased education and research are needed to find more effective treatments with fewer side effects and, ultimately, an effective treatment or cure for Parkinson's disease.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Madison Common Council designate April 2015 as Parkinson's Awareness Month and support continued research to find better treatments, and eventually, a cure for Parkinson's disease.