Thank you, Madam Chair.
I thank the witnesses for having come here to enlighten us further on Parkinson's disease.
A study was conducted by Health Canada and Parkinson Society Canada on the social and economic impacts of Parkinson's disease. The study showed that more information was needed on the disease in various areas, epidemiological data being one.
There are two types of Parkinson's, i.e. the one that presents with tremors and occurs more frequently among young people, and the type which involves gait difficulties and occurs among persons of 70 or older. Unfortunately the medical information does not allow us to diagnose Parkinson's disease early, because there are no blood tests to do so. So, we proceed by a process of elimination.
I would also like to know more about the burden on individuals and families. Mr. David Simmonds just mentioned that aspect.
Will the quadrennial study of the Public Health Agency of Canada, on Canadians living with neurological diseases, examine these gaps?
Do new studies have to be done in order to increase investment in these sectors?