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In response to: To describe in detail the last stages of PD is unecessarily >negative and frightening to many people on this list. There are many >people who are newly diagnosed or are in mid stages and fighting the >daily battles that are involved in trying to keep up a life style that >is a constant struggle who do not need or want to hear about end stage >PD or for that matter neither do their caretakers. > God knows that end-stage PD makes us all squirm, but I don't believe that denial helps anyone. The ever-present reality of Stage 5 keeps me acutely aware of how I treat my body and brain. It keeps me searching for alternatives. Sometimes I wish so many of us weren't hidden away at home and/or in the closet (from employer repercussions) so that public awareness of the reality of life with PD demanded a cure. I have seen public officials look distastefully at the graphic descriptions of end-stage PD....if they think hearing about it is tacky, they might try living it or caring for it or being related to it for a week. The experience of close up Parkinson's Disease, even in it's beginning stages is enough to break the heart of any caring human being. I know, I watch my loved ones weep for my struggles. In a strange way, I am proud to know such a brave troop. A motley crew for sure, but I have seen some of the strongest marriages in my experience at my local APDA meetings, and met a fine group of overcomers who can sing but not talk, and put their own wheelchairs in their cars. Go figure. Kathie Tollifson [log in to unmask]