Title
Parkinson's Awareness Month Proclamation
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Parkinson's Awareness Month
April 2012
WHEREAS, Parkinson's Disease is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease in the United States, second only to Alzheimer's; and
WHEREAS, Even though there is inadequate comprehensive data on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease, as of 2011, it is estimated that the disease affects over 1,000,000 people in the United States; 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 for Parkinson's disease and the rate of misdiagnosis can be high; and
WHEREAS, symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and include tremors, slowness, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, speaking, rigidity, cognitive problems, dementia, mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, constipation, skin problems, and sleep disruption; and
WHEREAS, there is no cure, therapy, or drug to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease; and
WHEREAS, increased education and research are needed to help find more effective treatments with fewer side effects and ultimately, an effective treatment or cure for Parkinson's disease.
NOW THEREFORE, I, John Hieftje, Mayor, of the City of Ann Arbor, do hereby proclaim April, 2012, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in the City of Ann Arbor. I encourage all citizens to recognize the need for more research and help in dealing with the devastating effects of Parkinson's Disease.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 16th day of April, 2012
________________________
John Hieftje, Mayor