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Sonia, I am writing to emphasize the advice to consider the depressing aspect of PD. Several of my elderly friends are examples that more should emulate. They remain independent and are proud that they have made their own way. Not all are still able to accomplish every task they wish to do. The wise ones have accepted help, but they continue to care and do what they can - for themselves and others. They have learned .. know .. that loving-caring is the essence of their personal happiness. The fear of dying .. and what may follow death .. may be the mental paridigm of 'old' .. vice elderly. Parkinsonism is an uncomprehended sentence from the Doctor (judge in this analogy). Depression results from loss ... and PD is continual loss of body movement control and capability. The patient must have .. or develop .. patience because s/he will move and mentate slower .. due to the deficiency of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. A superb self-esteem with extraordinary adaptive capability would be beneficial characteristics to accept the PD diagnosis 'in stride'. "Spunky" people are young in spirit - pay little attention relatively to their body's age or complaints - grow every day - change for the better. We live, laugh, love, give, learn-change and remain happy - even euphoric. We hope to accept .. and complete .. the termination of life with dignity. This is more difficult for those of us commuting our slow death sentence via becoming legal drug addicts .. partly because the experts know only crudely how the drugs could be optimally administered. We have much to learn .. but let us help each other. Doing that is one source of self-administration of the serotonin and endorphins that produce feeling good affect cognition. You have the motivation to help your father. This is an opportunity to have both he and yourself learn to interact adult-to-adult .. by doing the quality time interpersonal role playing with each other. I prescribe this because the diagnosis from your message is that you and your father have not become good friends. You were not aware of the PD diagnosis for a long while .. after he chose not to tell you .. for whatever reason(s). It is NOT too late to become friends! That will help you both. My best wishes to you both. Ron <[log in to unmask]> Ronald F. Vetter