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In a message dated 97-01-22 04:03:34 EST, you write: << According to Dr. Stanley Fahn (The Center For Parkinson's Disease - Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York 212-305-5277) there are 5 openings still left to participate in the NIH funded double blind test of fetal transplant surgery being done in conjunction with The University of Colorodo (Drs. Freed and Breeze). Those in the double blind NOT receiving the surgery will have the option of getting it done for free in 1 year when the blind is opened. Criteria for acceptance into the program are: 1) Parkinson's disease and not some other form of Parkinson syndrome 2) willingness to be evaluated at Columbia 3) Age between 20 and 75 4) Parkinsons for at least 7 years and responsive to L-Dopa 5) Presence of an intractable problem - off periods, dyskinesias or freezing - the problem must have been attempted to be controlled by pergolide and bromocriptine 6) no depression and no cognitive impairment 7) no depression and no cognitive impairment 8) successful completion of home diary 9) normal MRI of brain within past 18 months 10) able to communicate in english and 11) able to financially cover expenses not paid for by NIH grant ($1000-$2000). EXCLUSION CRITERIA - 1) depression or cognitive impairment 2) previous brain surgery 3) presence of diabetes mellitus, severe cardiopulmonary disease or other severe medical disease 4) not medically cleared to undergo a surgical procedure. If you qualify, you can contact Columbia Presbyterian directly to obtain more information ----------------------- Headers -- >> Be aware that this information is not accurate vis-a-vis the time line for those not receiving the implant to receive it. At present, no persons in this study who had either the placebo or real surgery as long ago as July of 1995 --- well over a year ago-- have been told which they got; thus it may be some time before the blind is lifted, leaving those participating in the study " in the blind" Dr. Fahn will confirm this.