Jun 17, 2009
Dorgan Introduces Bill to Establish National MS and Parkinson's Registries
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) 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.
“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.”
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.
"We are extremely grateful to Sen. Dorgan for introducing legislation that will allow our local chapter to accurately identify the number of people who have been diagnosed with MS in North Dakota." Jennifer Kline, Chapter President said. "Our chapter currently provides services to over 1400 people with MS across the state and Sen. Dorgan's proposed registry will allow us to expand our outreach and develop programs that match the needs of people with MS across North Dakota."
Senator Dorgan introduced the legislation along with Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).
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