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Ref: Who do you tell you have Parkinsons? Billy, I think the answer to this is as personalized as the variation in response to treatment. You have to tell your family. They know you too well and are quick to pick up changes in behavior. Close friends are in the same category. Eventually they figure out something is wrong. As for my employer. I am fortunate enough to work for a large company with a good benefits plan. I was able to establish myself as a contributor to the business over my 20 year career with the company. I've had good communication with management even though I am sometimes a wild duck. I've always told people what was on my mind, so I let them know about the Parkinsons. Many people had already started to notice a change in my energy level. I told the parents at the beginning of the fall soccer season that I had been diagnosed with the disease. I did this because I didn't know how quickly the disease would progress and I didn't know how I would respond to treatment. I didn't want to be stumbling around the field and have the parents think I had been tipping a few prior to coming out to coach their children. This would have been more problematic in the long run. As I said, I am fortunate. There is no doubt that age and physical impairment discrimination exist. In this age of downsizing and bottom lines, it isn't always easy to find fairness and compassion in corporations. I dare say I would not look forward to going out to look for new employment at this point. There is also no doubt that my revelation of PD has reduced my chances of accelerated promotions. On the other hand, I'm more than happy to let the young bucs work the weekends and midnight shifts to get that next system out the door on schedule so they can move up the corporate ladder. Slowing down but still moving. Phil G. ([log in to unmask])