AJR179

A Joint Resolution designating April 11 of each year as “World Parkinson’s Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Parkinson’s Disease is a type of neurologic movement disorder, affecting the brain and causing difficulty with movements, or motor symptoms; and

Whereas, Parkinson’s Disease manifests in motor challenges such as tremors, stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement, as well as non-motor symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, cognitive impairments, and difficulty swallowing; and

Whereas, Persons with Parkinson’s Disease also experience significant comorbidities, including increased rates of infections, cardiac and gastrointestinal disorders, and fall-related injuries; and

Whereas, While the exact cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, researchers believe it likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors; and

Whereas, There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease; and

Whereas, Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world, and the second most common neurodegenerative disease; and

Whereas, The World Health Organization estimated that neurodegenerative diseases, including but not limited to Parkinson’s Disease, will become the second leading cause of death worldwide by 2040, surpassing cancer related deaths; and

Whereas, About one million people in the United States and 10 million people around the world are living with Parkinson’s Disease; and

Whereas, About 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease each year, and that number is expected to rise in the next 20 years as our population ages; and

Whereas, Clinical trials help clinicians and scientists learn more about the disease and related disorders; and

Whereas, Millions of caregivers, family members, and loved ones are deeply impacted by Parkinson’s Disease and work tirelessly to provide care and support; and

Whereas, Support groups can help people cope with the disease's emotional impact and provide valuable information, advice, and experience; and

Whereas, The annual economic burden of Parkinson’s Disease in the United States is over $50 billion; and

Whereas, Designating “World Parkinson’s Day” in New Jersey is a way to honor the millions of individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and the dedicated professionals, caregivers, and advocates working tirelessly to support them; and

Whereas, Lighting buildings, bridges, and other landmarks in vibrant blue across New Jersey on April 11, World Parkinson’s Day, is one way to provide a visible symbol of hope and unity for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s Disease; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. April 11 of each year is designated as “World Parkinson’s Day” in New Jersey.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the day and call upon individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and organizations, both public and private, to observe this day with appropriate activities, including the lighting of landmarks in vibrant blue, to raise awareness and inspire action toward curing and addressing the impacts of Parkinson’s Disease.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates an annual “World Parkinson’s Day” in New Jersey as a way to honor the millions of individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and the dedicated professionals, caregivers, and advocates working tirelessly to support them. Parkinson’s Disease is a type of neurologic movement disorder, affecting the brain and causing difficulty with movements, or motor symptoms. About one million people in the United States and 10 million people around the world are living with Parkinson’s Disease. It is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world, the second most common neurodegenerative disease, and the annual economic burden of Parkinson’s Disease in the United States exceeds $50 billion. There is currently no cure for the disease. Millions of caregivers, family members, and loved ones are deeply impacted by Parkinson’s Disease and work tirelessly to provide care and support.

Lighting buildings, bridges, and other landmarks in vibrant blue on April 11, World Parkinson’s Day, each year in New Jersey would serve as a visible symbol of hope and unity for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s Disease.