HR459 - Recognizing April 2025 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

      H.R. No. 459       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive   neurological disease and the second most common neurodegenerative   condition in the United States; and          WHEREAS, The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary from   person to person and may include slowness of movement, rigidity,   gait and balance difficulties, and tremors; additionally, patients   may develop speech and swallowing disturbances, cognitive   impairment, dementia, mood disorders, and a range of other   symptoms; and          WHEREAS, While the exact cause of the condition in most   individuals is unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic   and environmental factors contributes to the development of   Parkinson's disease; there is no known cure and no drug that is   capable of slowing or halting the progression of the disease, and   available treatments are limited in their ability to address   patients' medical needs and to remain effective over time; and          WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and   Prevention, complications of Parkinson's disease are the 14th   leading cause of death in the United States; beyond the toll on   those who suffer from the disease, its impact is felt by millions of   caregivers, family members, and friends who form the support   systems of people living with Parkinson's; and          WHEREAS, It is estimated that one million people in the U.S.   are living with Parkinson's, and the number of Americans affected   by the disease is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030; a   study conducted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2019 found that   the annual economic impact of Parkinson's disease totals nearly $52   billion in the U.S.; and          WHEREAS, Researchers and medical professionals, along with   caregivers and volunteers, are united in the fight against   Parkinson's disease and the search for a cure; interventions such   as physical and speech therapy are providing hope to people   affected by Parkinson's disease, but increased research,   education, and community support services are needed to find more   effective treatments and to ensure access to better care for   Parkinson's patients; and          WHEREAS, The observance of Parkinson's Awareness Month is a   time to renew our focus on improving the quality of life for   patients suffering from this debilitating disease, and it is indeed   fitting to recognize this worthwhile cause; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize April 2025 as Parkinson's Awareness   Month and commend all those who are working in behalf of Texans   living with Parkinson's disease.     Lambert     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 459 was adopted by the House on March   31, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House