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Mike: Hey now - sure the uncertainties of PD are frightening but things arn't as bad as you think. I suggest you join a young onset PD support group and look around at what is happening. All of us arn't drooling idiots - well I might be but I hide it by chewing gum and socializing a lot. I've had PD for 10 years and I don't think I'm ready for the last flight into the side of a mountain. Make sure your neurologist is someone you are comfortable with and someone who knows a lot about PD. Put PD out on the table for your wife, kids and friends. Explain what is going on now - not what might happen in the future - then stop dwelling on it and start living. The only thing certain with us is that we are alive and we have this really pissy condition and we need to cope with it. We also have to watch out we don't become boring or a pain in the butt at home or at work. It's ok to sound off here on this PD listserve - and at support group meetings. Read all the books on PD - get on the PD organizations mailing lists for newsletters - go to PD seminars and meetings - JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP - get involved with raising research money by walking with others in PD walkathons and Unity walks. You will never walk alone. Keep up with and contribute here on this list - you won't find knowledge depressing - and you might help someone. Barbara Yacos