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A recurring theme in dealing with PD is the quest for the cause(s) and ultimately a cure. The most recent discussion looks into the potential connection between artistic talent and PD. There is the more general question of connecting PD with chemical (pesticides), physical injuries or other stimuli. Recently there was also a brief thread on Pesticides and PD as caused or facilitated by Flea Bombs. Another recurring discussion is the connection to head injuries. While weak correlations may exist a real cause is yet to be found. It is very tempting to connect a given scenario to the appearance of PD as for instance with head injuries. However, the general observation is that the correlation is weak or in fact non existent. One of the phenomena which makes difficult to establish a connection is the presence of clusters. This is a apparent high incidence of the disease depending on a specific stimulus. A cluster, however, is a statistical phenomenon and does not imply a connection. When the probabilities are low it is very difficult or impossible to distinguish between a real cause or a mere cluster. This confusion has led to many false starts and much fear and expense in connection between cancer and power line radiation. Tedious large scale experiments and statistical data have shown that there is no connection. The situation in PD is similar; there are tempting apparent connections but they are due to clustering. If there were a obvious connection it would have been uncovered already, considering how much research is done and the current help from the Internet (say PIEN). If a cause is known, remedies can be developed as was the case for Polio or Aids. Just some thoughts on curing PD. Again , of course the scientific method plays a vial role in the research toward a cure. Hypothesis - Test - confirm or reject. K. F. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn