Governor Proclaims PSP Awareness Month 2023

WHEREAS, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an uncommon neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells that control mobility, balance, walking, speech, swallowing, vision, behavior, cognitive abilities, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, approximately 20,000 Americans have PSP, with symptoms usually beginning after age 60; and

WHEREAS, PSP was first described as a distinct disorder in 1964 when scientists first published a paper distinguishing it from Parkinson’s disease; and

WHEREAS, there is no known treatment, cure, or cause of PSP, but some symptoms may be managed with medication or other interventions; and

WHEREAS, new discoveries are being made daily for PSP in the scientific community, specifically though the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a component of the National Institutes of Health; and

WHEREAS, further research on PSP is critical, as people affected with PSP can become severely disabled within three to five years of onset; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is joining the nation in raising awareness of PSP and its impact on families with loved ones who suffer from the disease; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2023, as “PSP AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.