Posted: | October 13, 2016 09:56 AM |
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From: | Representative Matthew E. Baker |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Awareness Resolution |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a House Resolution recognizing November 12, 2016 as “International CJD Awareness Day” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder that affects about one person in every one million people per year worldwide. In the United States, there are about 300 cases per year, however this number may be higher due to this disease being very difficult to diagnose. CJD usually appears in later life and runs a rapid course. Typically, onset of symptoms occurs about age 60, and about 90 percent of individuals die within 1 year. In the early stages of disease, people may have failing memory, behavioral changes, lack of coordination and visual disturbances. As the illness progresses, mental deterioration becomes pronounced and involuntary movements, blindness, weakness of extremities, and coma may occur. There is currently no known cure for CJD. I am hoping that by introducing this resolution it will raise more awareness across the Commonwealth about this serious and fatal disease. |
Introduced as HR1099