WHEREAS, One million Americans are affected by hydrocephalus, including one or two out of every 1,000 babies; and
     WHEREAS, Hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain; and
     WHEREAS, Today, there is no cure for this disease; and
     WHEREAS, More than 375,000 older Americans are also living with this condition, which often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease; and
     WHEREAS, With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, people with hydrocephalus are able to live full and productive lives; and
     WHEREAS, The standard treatment for hydrocephalus was developed in 1952, and carries multiple risks including shunt failure, infection, and overdrainage; and
     WHEREAS, There are fewer than 10 centers in the United States specializing in the treatment of adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus; and
     WHEREAS, Each year the people of the United States spend in excess of 1 billion dollars to treat hydrocephalus; and
     WHEREAS, Public awareness regarding hydrocephalus should increase;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State House of Representatives acknowledge and honor those born with this condition and their families, and pledge to raise awareness about this issue; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to interested parties.