North Country Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresasays the Assembly passed a resolution she introduced calling on the governor to declare April "Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month" in the state.

Jenne also thanked members of Parkinson's disease support groups around the state for their advocacy on behalf of those battling the affliction as well as their families.

Jenne represents the 116th Assembly District, the so-called “River District.” It covers all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River, in addition to Canton and Potsdam.

"There are many people in our communities that are living with Parkinson's Disease. Like the group here with us today, Hope Soars, an advocacy group from the Albany area, there are many organizations throughout the state providing support and information to those suffering from Parkinson's Disease and their families," Jenne said during remarks on the floor of the New York State Assembly. "Their support and awareness building and work to try to move the ball forward in terms of research and a cure are very important to our future.

"We certainly want to raise awareness about this disease and let people know there is help available for those struggling families, struggling with this diagnosis."

She said the disease affects the lives of many residents of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and around our entire state, with an estimated 42,000 people living with the disease throughout New York.

She said there are Parkinson's disease support groups in the North Country, including one based in Potsdam.

"I had a chance to meet with leaders from the Potsdam group last year, and it was clear they were working diligently to increase awareness and offer support to those diagnosed with the disease," Jenne said.

She pointed out over 1 million Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and a new diagnosis is made every 9 minutes in the United States alone.

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor problems including slowness of movement, rigidity and tremor.

Balance and gait problems may occur later in the course of illness. Common non-motor symptoms of PD include sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. There currently is no cure.

"Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month helps put a spotlight on the debilitating disease to help find better ways to prevent and detect the progressive neurological condition, providing care for the disease, and ultimately finding a cure," according to Jenne's office.

For the third year, she welcomed members of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) to Albany to be introduced on the floor of the Assembly and to be present for the passage of the resolution.

“The work APDA is doing and the support they are providing for the Parkinson’s community in New York State and beyond is critical and I am thrilled to partner with them to bring much-needed attention to this disease,” Jenne said.