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But I notice changes which I also read about in forums like this > one, like vivid dreams, blurred vision, loss of smell, and so on. I have to > say, I'm acutely aware of becoming a hypochondriac (-you know, the best way > to make your family ill? > Alf Shucks, Alf, I'm 50....er....something and I haven't had any of your symptoms. Has it occurred to you that your wife might be in denial?? Denial makes it easier for her to deal with your diagnosis for now. Eventually, when your symptoms become more severe, you'll have to watch her go through the whole gamut of the mourning process. You are not the only one to have PD - your entire family has to deal with the disease as well, and - because the symptoms are insidious, will blame you for not 'getting your act together' and of being a hypochondriac. I would like to suggest that the next time your wife accuses your age for your symptoms that you stop her cold by saying, "No. I'm not that old. I'm feeling this change in my body and I know it's not normal." Sometimes a simple statement of fact works the best. In this way you'll slowly bring your wife to the reality of your illness. Please be prepared for her to be angry. That's normal too. Expect tears and some anxiety as well - she has no idea what her future will be, and that's scary. Having said that, I'd like to share that my husband got PD when he was forty and just retired at 60. His symptoms have increased gradually over a twenty year period, but we have learned to cope and adjust as he has changed. PD is a bad disease, but it leaves it's victims with a sound mind and an ability to share in life's journey. I continue to rely on my husband's judgement and input in planning our future. Your wife needs to understand that her future isn't as bleak as she is imagining - and neither is your's. ----- God bless Mary Ann (CG Jamie 60/20)