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Hi Everybody. I recently joined the PIENO list (a couple of weeks ago). I'm 53, was just diagnosed, and have had symptoms for about 3 years. I am taking a big load of "supplements" at this point, but no "Parkinson's med." A friend referred me to a movement disorders specialist--Shawn Bolton, DO--in Farmington Hills, MI. I live in Ann Arbor, so it's a bit of a drive. But after my Mom's treatment at the Movement Disorders clinic at University of Michigan (here), I'm wanting to look elsewhere. I've emailed Dr. Bolton. Here's an excerpt of her response to me... <<<...some info about me! I finished my neurology training in 1996, and completed my movement disorder fellowship in 1998. About 80% of my current practice is Parkinson's. I am also conducting several clinical drug trials...one of which, if I agree about the Parkinson's...you would be an excellent candidate for. It involves a new dopamine agonist, Sumanirole, not yet approved by the FDA. The study has 3 groups of patients...one group will take the Sumanirole, one will receive Requip (already on the market) and one group (the smallest, about 20-25%) will receive placebo. The study is designed for the earliest patients, even perhaps people who do not yet require treatment. There is a lot of info in the works about the newer dopamine agonists, (Mirapex, Requip, and this Sumanirole) the debate is whether or not they will provide neuroprotection, or help slow the progress of Parkinson's. So, being such a young woman, it would be terribly important to explore all aspects of potential treatment, especially the cutting edge studies that are available to you! >>>> Dr. Bolton certainly sounds "qualified" to me and my friend really likes her. I particularly am impressed by her willingness to communicate with patients via email. So I expect to go see her--unless any of you knows of her and has a problem with her. But what about participating in the study??? In some ways I'm concerned about starting any meds before I really need to. Also, I'm terribly sensitive to about 1/2 the meds that are out there. And I'd be signing up to get either something as yet untested on humans, or Requip (what experience does any of you have?)--or of course a placebo. I sure would appreciate the thoughts that any of you might be willing to share with me. Thanks! Sally Sally Lattuca Turn of Phrase carefully crafted communications When the words sing. . .the ideas dance! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn