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Hello Everyone-- About 3 years ago my dad, who is 74, began to have slight tremors in his right hand. They bothered him only occasionally but have gotten progressively worse. As time has passed, he has noticed other symptoms which I understand Parkinson's associated--like having unexplained body ache similar to the flu, a general slowing down of movement such as walking, eating; and a tilt forward when he is walking. About 6 months ago he visited his general practitioner about the symptoms, who did a brief exam, said the symptoms were likely attributed to Parkinson's, but his advice was to let it go and see how it progresses. He said it wasn't appropriate to begin any treatment at this point, that it should wait until the symptoms worsened. I have read that sometimes beginning medication early can slow the progression of the disease, but I'm not sure how to interpret this information. Can you give me any advice as to whether it is appropriate that Dad should take a wait-and-see approach? Would medication benefit him at this point? He is definitely affected by the disease, but he is functioning "OK". I've suggested he see a specialist, but he wants to follow doctor's instructions. If he sees a specialist, is the best a neurologist? Does anyone know a good specialist in the Columbia, Missouri area? Thanks ever so much. Sharon Nelson Columbia Public Schools Columbia Area Career Center 1500 Vandiver Dr., Suite 109 Columbia, MO 65202 Phone: 573-884-4074 FAX: 573-884-3665