Nebraska is the home of my alma mater, Creighton University. Nebraska also has the highest rate of Parkinson's Disease per capita of any where in world. According to the article, Nebraskans Stricken By Parkinson's At High Rate, the numbers are believed to be the result of pesticide toxins that run off from crops into well water systems.
I don't know how these statistics were developed. However, in an effort to find a legitimate way of tracking the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's and MS, the Parkinson's Action Network is working on getting legislation passed to establish H.R. 1362: National MS and Parkinson's Disease Registries Act. The Parkinson's community needs this bill enacted because we do not currently have accurate information how many Americans are battling Parkinson's disease, and why. This lack of core knowledge inhibits Parkinson’s research, programs, treatments, and services.
Yeah, I signed the MS one.
Posted by: Diane J Standiford | June 10, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Diane, thanks for promoting the registry for those with MS and PD.
Kate
Posted by: Kate Kelsall | June 14, 2009 at 03:42 PM