SENATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL MS AND PARKINSON'S REGISTRIES

Dorgan, Stabenow, and Mark Udall bill would provide additional information to treat diseases

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or  Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Johnny Isakson (R- Ga.) today introduced the National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registries Act, which would establish national registries of MS and Parkinson’s disease in order to better understand and treat these neurological diseases.

Currently, a national coordinated system to collect and analyze data on MS or Parkinson's disease does not exist. Accurate incidence and prevalence information is critical to gain a better understanding of these diseases which together affect more than 1.4 million Americans. This lack of core information and knowledge about MS and Parkinson's disease inhibits progress in biomedical research, the development of new and better treatments, and the creation of programs and services to help people live independent and productive lives while fighting these diseases.

The National MS Society estimates that 400,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with MS. The incidence of MS seems to vary according to geography, and North Dakota has one of the highest incidences in the country. Many scientists believe heredity is a factor in who develops MS, but its exact cause is unknown.

“This registry will be an important tool in fighting these debilitating diseases, which affect millions of Americans and their families,” said Dorgan, co-chair of the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus. “In order to gain a better understanding of these diseases doctors and researchers must have as much information in their hands as possible. These registries will help researchers improve existing treatments. And we hope research will eventually lead scientists to a cure for MS, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”

“Having greater data on degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis will help us learn more about what causes these diseases and ultimately what will cure them. Over one million people from across the country are afflicted by Parkinson’s, including the 50,000 people in Michigan,” said Stabenow, co-chair of the Bicameral Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease. “I remember the anguish my family went through when my grandmother suffered from Parkinson’s, and as the chair of the Senate Parkinson’s Caucus, I am so proud to be a part of this legislation to fight this disease in a more coordinated and efficient way. With the proper funding, I know that our nation’s medical professionals can fight and cure these debilitating diseases.”

“After watching my father’s fight against Parkinson’s, I know how hard it is on families in Colorado and across America,” said Udall, co-chair of the Bicameral Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease. “This legislation is crucial to arming our research and public health communities with the information they need to develop breakthrough treatments, and, one day, a cure for Parkinson’s, MS, and many other diseases that touch the lives of so many Americans.”

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