Bill Text: NJ AJR58 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-24 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee [AJR58 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AJR58-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman MILA M. JASEY
District 27 (Essex and Morris)
SYNOPSIS
Designates March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating March as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month."
Whereas, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that affects both the autonomic nervous system and movement; and
Whereas, The cause or causes of MSA are unknown and there is no known cure; and
Whereas, MSA is categorized into two types, parkinsonian and cerebellar, and the categorization is based on the most prominent symptoms at the time that an individual is evaluated; and
Whereas, Primary symptoms of the parkinsonian type (MSA-P) are slow movement, stiff muscles, tremors, balance and coordination problems, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction; and
Whereas, Primary symptoms of the cerebellar type (MSA-C) are difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, a quavering voice, and ataxia; and
Whereas, Additional symptoms include chronic shortening of muscles or tendons around joints, abnormal body posture, uncontrollable sighing or gasping, inappropriate laughing or crying, fainting and dizziness due to severely low blood pressure, bladder and bowel issues, loss of fine motor skills, impotence, nausea, vision changes, dry mouth and skin, difficulty regulating body temperature, and sleep disturbances; and
Whereas, Treatment to control individual symptoms is available, but there are currently no proven treatments to prevent the disease from getting worse; and
Whereas, Upon the onset of symptoms, the typical survival time is seven to nine years, and 60 percent of diagnosed individuals are wheelchair dependent after five years; and
Whereas, Prevalence of MSA is estimated at 3.7 cases per 100,000 people, and is slightly more common in men than in women; and
Whereas, The lack of awareness about MSA has hindered research and the ability of researchers to obtain funding for their work; and
Whereas, public support and greater awareness of the need for research funding can aid in the discovery of the cause of, and a cure for, MSA; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. March of each year is designated as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month" to increase public awareness of this progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the autonomic functions of the body.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates the month of March of each year as "Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month" to increase public awareness of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the autonomic functions of the body. The resolution requires that the Governor annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of the State to observe this month each year with appropriate activities and programs.
