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DO YOU HAVE YOUR PETITONS WITH COMPARABLE GRAPH? IF NOT CONTACT [log in to unmask] PLEASE DO SO ASAP Parkinson Disease Research Funds May Be Allocated Elsewhere PITTSBURGH, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Funds specifically authorized by Congress for a significant increase in Parkinson's Disease research may not be appropriated. Parkinson's disease sufferers, their families and advocates are concerned about prolonging the quest for a cure for this degenerative disease which can incapacitate those who suffer from it. The intent of the Morris K. Udall Education and Research Act was to significantly increase Parkinson's research funding. However, a change in the way the National Institute of Health (NIH) tracks research funding may rob the more than 1.5 million Americans, including world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, of the anticipated increase in Parkinson's Disease research. Passed by Congress in November 1997, the Udall Bill authorizes a three to four fold increase in real Parkinson's research. The majority of neurologists and neuroscientists believe that an infusion of funds of this magnitude, given the current level of understanding of Parkinson's, will result in a more effective treatment or a cure, perhaps within only five years. However, unless funds are appropriated and properly spent by the NIH, the Udall Bill will be meaningless. Not only would that be tragic news for those who suffer from Parkinson's, but it also ignores potential savings of $25 billion per year if Parkinson's is cured. If the $100 million per year investment in Parkinson's research results in a cure, for every dollar spent on research, $250 will be saved. The National Parkinson's Foundation (NPF) and Ali, NPF's National Spokesperson, are fighting hard for the NIH to support the original intent of the Udall Bill. "The Bill passed because one by one thousands of people told their elected representatives of the horrors of this disease, the promise of a near term scientific breakthrough and the huge savings that would result," said Jim Cordy, President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NPF. "There were no PACs or high-priced lobbyists. Instead, there were letters, phone calls and visits by ordinary people. Our Senators and Representatives, one by one voiced their support." Current NIH research funding as measured by dollars per person afflicted is simply not equitable. When compared to other disease groups, Parkinson's research is grossly under-funded. Per patient Parkinson's expenditures are only $24, whereas per patient expenditures are $54 for Alzheimer's, $158 for Multiple Sclerosis, $295 for Cancer and $1,069 for AIDS. Because the cure for Parkinson's Disease is tantalizingly close, the funding of pending research per the intent of the Udall Bill is all the more critical for America's 1.5 million Parkinson patients and the one million more who are pre-symptomatic. Parkinson's Disease is an illness that causes the depletion of dopamine- producing neurons in the brain. These neurons help the body to function normally. The loss of dopamine causes physical symptoms such as rigidity, tremors, slowed movement, a shuffled walk and postural instability. For further information on Parkinson's Disease, the potential reallocation of authorized funds, and research and education efforts, please call the NPF in Pittsburgh, PA at 412-521-6423. SOURCE National Parkinson Foundation CO: National Parkinson Foundation; National Institute of Health ST: Pennsylvania IN: HEA MTC