A new bill proposed by a Kentucky lawmaker seeks to enhance research on Parkinson’s disease, aiming to better understand its prevalence and support those affected across the state.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing conditions of its kind globally. Jane Rice Williams, a Kentucky resident diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016, has since become a vocal advocate for increased research into the disease. In 2018, she founded Parkinson’s in Motion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and support for individuals impacted by Parkinson’s throughout Eastern Kentucky.
“Parkinson’s is…it’s a scary diagnosis,” Williams told FOX 56 News. “We do, more than anything, need to find out how to stop Parkinson’s.”
Working alongside local lawmakers, Williams has teamed up with Senator Brandon Storm to propose Senate Bill 27, a piece of legislation that would establish a registry to track the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky.
“This bill is aimed at creating a registry that would help us understand where Parkinson’s is occurring and to start researching the disease’s impact in our state,” Sen. Storm explained.
The proposed registry would go beyond merely listing patients; it would provide valuable data that could inform both research and resource distribution. By tracking the number and location of Parkinson’s patients, experts hope to identify regional patterns and potential environmental, genetic, or dietary factors that may influence the disease’s spread.
“It would help us with record-keeping, provide resources, and allow us to identify areas that may need more support,” Williams said. “It’s about knowing where the disease is most prevalent and ensuring that the right resources are available in those areas.”
Sen. Storm emphasized that the registry would not collect personal identifying information. The goal is to create a foundation for further research that could potentially uncover early indicators of Parkinson’s, enabling earlier detection and intervention before the disease progresses significantly.
Both Williams and Storm are optimistic about the potential for progress in understanding Parkinson’s disease, citing advancements in research and treatment since Williams’ own diagnosis.
“We want all states to have a registry. We want to know what’s going on with Parkinson’s all over,” Williams said. “From the time I was diagnosed until now, I feel like we’ve jumped leaps and bounds in terms of progress.”
By supporting the creation of a statewide registry, Senate Bill 27 seeks to lay the groundwork for crucial research and improved support for those living with Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky.
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