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Dot To answer your questions: 1. There is thus far no single cause for PD known. Genetic problems can help bring it on. Possibly trauma. Possibly insecticides or other chemicals. Possibly drinking water from wells in the US or not from wells in eastern Europe. If you knew, you could be famous immediately. 2. I vote for going on Sinemet in low doses immediately. Many others say hold the Sinemet back until there is no choice but to take it. There is no sure answer. 3. Alternative medicine has been tried by almost everyone with PD. Vitamins and good nutrition are probably good for everyone. As long as he does not overdo the alternative medicine route, it probably will do him no harm. Knowing that he is trying something may help. There is one thing he might consider doing that might help him and others. There are several medical studies under way which are trying to answer your questions. PD patients who are just diagnosed and have not yet started medication are wanted for participation in those studies. There is usually no dollar payment for being a research subject, but the medical care and attention he would get and the knowledge that he is trying to help himself and others can make it worthwhile. Also he will be looking at high cost medical care and very high drug costs. He's too young or not yet sufficiently disabled for Medicare. He can save costs by being in certain studies. If I can be of help, let me know. Will Johnnston A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres. 4049 Oakland School Road Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110 ---------- From: Dorothy Regnier <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: New to PD Has anyone found alternativemedicine(vitamins,supl.etc)Helpful? Date: Saturday, February 19, 2000 4:49 PM My brother who is 46 has just been diagnosed with PD. He is not yet on any medication and is wondering if it is best to stay off of medication as long as possible? He is interested in the use of alternative medicines - vitamins and other supplements. Any information will be helpful. Please reply to [log in to unmask] Thank you very much, Dot