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My name is Ruth Davis Evans. I was officially diagnosed with PD in Fall of '93 after self-diagnosis a few months earlier. I am an avid reader and also had been a part-time caregiver for a PD relative of my husband's. I recognized symptoms as small handwwriting, voice changes, left-hand tremor, loss of flexibility and to describe my movements (noticeable only to myself) *my left foot didn't know what my right foot was doing*. My family doctor confirmed and referred me to my neurologist who started treatment. I am now taking Sinemet 50/200 twice a day with Eldepryl in the morning. Sinemet was recently increased from l-l/2 per day to 2 after experiencing balance problems in the morning. This probably was due to stress from a serious illness of my husband and meanwhile taking all the responsibilities involved in moving from 3rd floor to ground in our apartment building. I am doing well with this regimen at present. Other medications I take are: monopril and lozol for hypertension, synthroid for hypothyroidism and premarin. Incidentally, I took demerol pre- and post-op for dental surgery last year with no problem. I suppose nothing was known about a possible problem with eldepryl. Other PD'ers in my family include a brother (age 69) and a first cousin (80's). Our maternal grandfather died in the late l920's with what was called *Creeping Palsy*. I wonder about PD in his case?? As for connection with diabetes, said brother is also diabetic, as well as our deceased father. Both have or had adult on-set. I am not diagnosed as diabetic but my primary physician keeps watch as I may be pre-diabetic. If I say I am in my 73rd year, don't think me a decrepit old lady - I'm definitely NOT - I take care of myself, my home and all household affairs, am actively socially and in my church and am eager to live to be a happy and useful *old lady* enjoying life with my *old man*. Maybe a cure is in our future - let's not give up HOPE! (Forgive the length - I won't be so *wordy* next time.)