If you are interested, let me know and I'll forward more materials to you
about Parkinson's Action Network.
THE MISSION OF THE PARKINSON'S ACTION NETWORK
Parkinson's Disease
In Parkinson's disease, cells that produce the neurochemical dopamine
degenerate, causing tremor,
muscle stiffness and loss of motor function. Medication masks some symptoms
for a limited
period, generally four to eight years in most victims, but begins causing
dose-limiting side-
effects. Eventually medications lose their effectiveness, and in the final
stages of the disease the
victim is unable to move, swallow or speak. Although the cause is still
uncertain, environmental
toxins are a suspect.
The Cost
Approximately one million Americans are afflicted with Parkinson's, with
50,000 more diagnosed
each year. About 40% are under the age of 60, with Parkinson's effects often
removing them
from the productive work force. Unlike many other deadly ailments,
Parkinson's victims remain
alive but incapacitated for many years, sometimes decades, requiring a
similar number of family
members to be diverted from the work force by their role as caregivers.
As a result, PD is estimated to cost the U.S. $6 billion a year in
health-related expenses, in direct
disability-related costs and lost productivity.
The Mission
The Parkinson's Action Network was founded in 1991 to provide a unified,
national advocacy
voice for the Parkinson's community and to promote a level of research
support sufficient to
produce effective treatment and a cure before the end of the decade. This
has required:
l Developing an informed and effective grassroots network, involving
individuals
afflicted with the disease, their families, Parkinson's foundations,
support organizations
and interested scientists.
l Increasing public awareness of Parkinson's disease and its impact on
individuals, on
health costs, and on the country as a whole.
l Working to strengthen the Parkinson's research program conducted by
the National Institutes of
Health, through monitoring of the program and relationships with key
officials and staff of NIH
and the several Parkinson's related institutes.
l Working with Congress and the Clinton Administration, directly and
through grassroots
advocacy, to increase their awareness of the needs of the Parkinson's
community and the impact
of their decision-making on that community.
On April 6, 1995 the "Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act"
was re-introduced in the
Senate and House by a bipartisan group of sponsors. This bill, S. 684 and
H.R. 1462, authorizes an expanded
and aggressive Parkinson's research program.
Thanks.
Sheila Heath
PAN Administrator
