Title
Proclamation Declaring April 2019 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States; and
Whereas, there is inadequate data on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, but it is estimated to affect nearly one million people in the United States, and that number is expected to more than double by 2040; and
Whereas, Parkinson’s disease is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
Whereas, there are millions of Americans who are caregivers, family members and friends greatly impacted by Parkinson’s disease; and
Whereas, it is estimated that the annual economic burden of Parkinson’s disease is over $25 billion annually, including treatment and lost income to patients and family members; and
Whereas, research suggests the cause of Parkinson’s disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause is still unknown; and
Whereas, there currently is no objective test or biomarker to diagnose Parkinson’s disease; and there is no known cure or drug to slow or halt the progression of the disease; and
Whereas, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person and can include tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity, gait and balance difficulty, speech and swallowing disturbances, cognitive impairment and dementia, mood disorders, and a variety of other non-motor symptoms; and
Whereas, volunteers, researchers, caregivers and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life of persons living with Parkinson’s disease and their families; and
Whereas, increased research, education and community support services are needed to find more effective treatments and to provide access to quality care to those living with the disease today.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City Alameda, do hereby proclaim April 2019 as Parkinson's Awareness Month
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor