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Brian Collins <[log in to unmask]> wrote in part: <<There is no simple solution. It is a four-way partnership between the patient, the carer, the Doctor, and the Specialist. Each one has a role to play, and the loss or exclusion of any one of them can be serious. Let us hope that Henry, with the help of his family, can restore the balance.>>> Again, I agree with Brian; but, will add the Pharmacist to the team. I also will emphasize that these five team members must be cogent and competent in their role. Specifically, my mother does not have PD primarily, but she has not been a competent patient for nine years. Her depression after my father died in December 1987 was never "lifted" ... she developed dementia and never acknowledged that either. It is probable that Henry's wife is not a cogent and competent patient at this time - therefore, the team is missing one factor. In some instances, a social worker or ombudsman must be found for the patient AND the caregiver. This is quite often the case with elderly couples - where the caregiver is not fully capable or may not be fully cognisant and competent. perhaps all this is not obvious to every reader. -- ron 1936, dz PD 1984 Ridgecrest, California Ronald F. Vetter <[log in to unmask]> http://www.ridgecrest.ca.us/~rfvetter