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Last week I read the NIH press release regarding the location of a genetic defect that supposedly 'causes' Parkinson's somewhere on a leg of a specific chromosone. I copied it and passed it on to my brother. Our father and grandfather had PD. He sent the report back with a note that said, "Funny, I don't know whether to be happy or sad about this." I see it as a good news / bad news story as well, but not necessarily for the same reasons. It is not huge news in the scientific community. To find a genetic defect that causes a disease in a family in which 50% of the members express that disease is logical and should happen eventually. It's a step forward but does not prove DuVoisin's worst case theories that all PD is genetic. There is plenty of evidence to the contrary along with evidence that their are both genetic and environmental causes. There is not much reason at this time for parents and children with PD in their family to be anymore concerned than the general public. The best news is that location and description of a genetic defect will allow more precise and effective treatment. This may be ten or fifteen years away or it may be a lot less if there are existing pharmaceutical products that can correct for deficiencies, etc. caused by the genetic damage. Certainly this important work, proclaimed by NIH investigators, adds credence to the argument that with more money spent by NIH on PD research we will have more exciting discoveries and better treatments sooner than we will if we maintain the status quo. I guess this has come down to a pitch to increasing our efforts in Washington to increase funding for PD research. If you have a new Congressman or Senator, now is the time to educate them about PD and the extraordinary potential for advances in treatment. We have lots of supporters, let's grab the attention of new ones while they're getting used to their new digs and still have time to listen.