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Jackie,
 
I find the reaction of your neuro perplexing, and feel that maybe you should
consider another opinion on the diagnoses of your husband.
 
The age old question of what is the difference between a "Disease" and a
"Syndrome" goes on, and is as near a resolution as there are people that KNOW
THEY know the difference.  Everyone that gets sucked into this debate are
sure they have the "right' answer.
Actually, in my research of Parkinson's, I have yet to find a clear
definition between the two ...if in fact, there is one..  I have found that
the two descriptors are used interchangeably, depending on the culture and/or
Medical School attended, which leads me to think that a rose, is a rose, is a
rose - by any other name.
 
I have researched Parkinson's for over 16 years, and have talked to most of
the major players involved in active  research on Sir James Parkinson's
"Shaking Palsy".  People like Dr. Joseph Knoll (the formulator of selegiline
hydrochloride), Drs. Walther and George Birkmayer (the first to use L-dopa on
humans), Dr. Langston (of MPTP fame), and too many others to relate here.
 The point is that I have yet to find or hear a valid description of any
difference.  To complicate the matter there is also  "essential tremor" and
"super-necular palsy" looming over the horizon.  Often, I think, "Essential
Tremor" is a doctorese diagnoses for "I don't know what the hell you have and
I don't want to call it Parkinson's."
 
The above mentioned research was because of two things:
1.  I have Parkinson's ....whatever.
2.  I was a prime researcher for my wife's book, "Parkinson's Disease: The
Mystery, The Search and The Promise"  by Sue Dauphin.  ISBN # 0-9620354-1-6,
 LibCong# 92-093912
 
Sinemet is a good drug, but the effect can eventually "diminish".  There is
also a form of sinemet called sinemet CR (controlled Release).  I would also
ask your husband's doctor about Eldepryl (selegiline hydrochloride) as it has
been shown to slow the onset of Parkinson's in a nation-wide test called
DATATOP.
 
Just remember, Parkinson's is not the end of life.  It is the beginning of a
new way of life.  I hope this has helped, Jackie.
 
I wish you and your husband the very best,
 
VernD
 
Note to other readers of this post:  I will not engage in a fruitless debate
on the difference between a "disease" and a "syndrome".  There is much, too
much, other important information out there to talk about.  Thank you.