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Estimates of the prevalence of these conditions vary significantly, but it is generally estimated that approximately 1.9 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from Parkinson's disease, while approximately 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from Essential Tremor. An independent market research firm estimates that the market for DBS for these specific indications will grow to approximately $180 million by 2008 and will continue to grow as improvements in the procedure and stereotactic targeting are made. "The neuromodulation market as a whole is expected to surpass the billion- dollar milestone this year, and promises to become a multi-billion dollar, multi-indication segment of the medical device industry...." Yes indeed, let us remember that we are not only a political force but also a market, and I believe that market forces trump political-religious-ethical concerns nearly always. It's amazing how, when it's clear big money is to be made, ethical qualms evaporate, for better or for worse. I'd like to think that at least in regard to PD, greed is our ally. Kathleen ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn