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In a message dated 3/25/00 2:40:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << And finally, to demolish the fuzziest piece of logic I have seen in many a year, which says: If you delay the introduction of levodopa for several years, you MAY find that the levodopa retains its effectiveness longer in the later stages. Note the use of MAY find: They are already padding their backsides in case they are wrong) >> Brian< I am not an MD either. I am an Engineer with a MBA and have been able to appreciate your theories each time I read them. However, if we are picking, I have two picks of my own about your presentation. First, I am not the author of the statement above regarding delaying introduction of Levodopa affecting its effectiveness in the later stages. I think that is not true but I also think you may be misconstruing the argument being made. Assume levodopa effectiveness to be straight line (for the sake of argument) on its way to causing dyskenesia. assume as well that the time period from start to dyskenesia with a given regime of increasing doses of levodopa, is the same for any one person regardless of when started It would seem that it follows that the later you start, the later the appearance of dyskenesia. This analysis is unrelated to the statement: If you delay the introduction of levodopa for several years, you MAY find that the levodopa retains its effectiveness longer in the later stages. My second pick deals with the SUBJECTIVE assignment by an individual of his or her "condition" I would venture that a constantly accurate assessment of ones individual condition is more than difficult. It is impossible. All that being said, I admire the work you have done, if for no other reason, on your own behalf in quantifying both the stage of your PD and what you understand works best for you in treating it. Regards, Paul H. Lauer