LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim November 16, 2014, as CADASIL Awareness Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 16, 2014, as CADASIL
Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical
infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare, hereditary disease
that is often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, The prevalence of CADASIL is about 2 per 100,000, which could
be an underestimation due to misdiagnosis; and
WHEREAS, CADASIL is the most common monogenic inherited form of small
blood vessel disease; and
WHEREAS, Patients with CADASIL suffer from damage within the small
blood vessels, especially those within the brain; and
WHEREAS, CADASIL causes multiple strokes and TIAs (Transient Ischemic
Attacks; mini-strokes) in young adults aged 20-50, often without cardio-
vascular risk factors; and
WHEREAS, CADASIL is a progressively debilitating disease, and symptoms
follow a step-wise progression ranging from migraine headaches to
strokes and finally dementia; and
WHEREAS, The progress, severity and specific symptoms of CADASIL are
variable from person to person and can include seizures, migraines,
dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, mood disorders, anxie-
ty, depression, apathy, fatigue, cognitive decline and dementia; and
WHEREAS, It may take years to receive a diagnosis of CADASIL since
medical professionals are inadequately educated on CADASIL; and
WHEREAS, CADASIL affects women, men and children of all ethnicities
around the world; and
WHEREAS, There are no treatments or cure for CADASIL; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 16, 2014, as
CADASIL Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.