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Hello. Some of you may remember me from a long while back. My name is Ally Deale, and I just got back on to the list. My father (age 70) was diagnosed with PD about 21/2-3 years ago. His symptoms are bradykinesia, slowness of movement, slouching posture, slowness of thought...can't keep a conversation, depression. In a word, more than anything, he's very slow...in every aspect. He doesn't shake too much, although he is doing so more now than ever before. Anyway, my mother is not a very good...how shall I say it...caregiver. She's easily frustrated, won't read up on the disease, doesn't understand the medications' ability and limitations, and refuses to call the doctor for anything. Finally, I have convinced her to make another appointment (he goes yearly) because I...and my brother...don't feel there has been much improvement. From what I was to understand, the medication he's on (Sinemet)should aleve many of his symptoms to a point of them being hardly noticable. That is, for as long as it continues to work. Is this wrong? Does it have this effect on some symptoms...but not the ones I have listed? I guess what I'm asking is...because I've seen little improvement...how do you know when the medecine is working and when something else may have to be started? I am really trying to update myself on research and the disease itself, as my mother has invited my brother and I along on his appointment. Neither of my parents feel (because they don't read up) that they know what kind of questions to ask, etc. But, I have a lot of questions, like...what stage is he in? What differences should we see in my father while on the medication? How do we know when its not working? What kind of excercises should he be doing? What is the next step? What symptoms should we look for to know that things are or are not working? What should I know about his lifestyle now to help the doctor give accurate diagnoses and meds? Your help is REALLY appreciated. The appointment is on the 17th. Also, if you have any places to which you could refer me to answers and information (I've seen most of the websites), I'd be greatful. Thank you! Ally