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JASON, I wonder if this survey is starting out with a false basic assumption. You seem to have come to the conclusion that there is an increasing number of younger people developing PD or an increasing incidence in the general population (adjusted for age). I am not aware of any data available to base that conclusion. If you or anyone else is aware of data to support that please post it. It probably then would implicate something in the environment and the considerable speculation over the past few days regarding the different factors would especially be worth further investigation. There are a lot of possible reasons that there are more younger PD patients on the list. The younger group is substantially more computer literate and may still be working where we have increased contact and availability of the "information superhighway". The older population of PD patients tends to be more infirm and is less likely to be able to use a computer even if they had the skills. And, culturally younger people are less likely to accept their doctors word as the whole truth and question authority more. Also our awareness of PD among younger people is considerably hightened by the fact that we have it ourselves. My first reaction when my neurologist colleague made the diagnosis when I was 44 was "John, I'm only 44 how can I have PD". I had never heard of someone that young getting PD- and I am a physician. That was after I had seen another neurologist friend for a year who totally missed the diagnosis. Now, because I am aware of the possibility it seems like the incidence of PD especially among young people has gone through the roof in 6 years. I don't think it is the incidence as much as it is my awareness of the possibility. It is certainly valuable to speculate on causes but let us not get into the trap of generalizing from our own changing perceptions. Lets keep up the exchange of ideas but remember they have to be scientifically validated in the end. For instance, we cannot rule in or out the history of drug use as a contributing factor (except of course MTTP) on the basis of our data gathered here on the list but we certainly can come up with some ideas worthy of investigation. Let us keep up the atmosphere of free exchange of ideas on the list. As Barb Patterson says there is no place for "flaming" but let us be respectfully intellectually critical in our search for answers. I am curious at people's responses to my ramblings. I will be arround over the next few days but Saturday I leave for vacation and will be "signed off" the net for 2-3 weeks beginning Friday or Saturday. And- looking forward to meeting Alesandro in Rome- a new friend I have made on the list. Au revoir & ciao Charlie **************************************************************************** ************************************* Charles T. Meyer Madison, WI [log in to unmask] **************************************************************************** ************************************