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Why I'm on this list: Hello. I have just joined the list. My father was diagnosed as having many Parkinson's symptoms and is now on medication (Requip). His hands shake, he has strange sensations in his legs and just doesn't feel as sharp and well as he used to feel. He is 73 now and has had symptoms increasing over about 5 years. My Dad will be seeing the neurologist for a checkup later this week. My name is Meg. I seem to be a family resource on digging up medical info due to our computer and science background in biology. Plus this is my way of finding control and trying to help. We have some basic knowledge of what PD is and progression from prior reading. Background for question: My Dad asked me last night, if I could help him find out if his metal dental caps could be related to the start of his Parkinson's. He has all his own teeth, but the enamel was getting thin. The dentist gave him an option of metal or non-metal caps. The metal would be less expensive and more durable. My Dad, always practical and frugal, took the metal option. The dentist filled all his back molars and side teeth with the metal caps (silver colored, but my Dad is not sure what type of metal or what the adhesive was used). Shortly after the procedure he noticed a bad taste in his mouth. He would rinse and water pik his mouth multiple times a day and started sucking on candies all the time. That was about 5 years ago and he still has problems with the bad taste. He has had to cut down on the candies due to sugar elevating his triglycerides. Coincidentally it was 5 years ago that he started to get the weird leg sensations and his hands started to shake. The neurologist told him that it could be essential tremor. All the symptoms became worse over time. Now the new diagnosis is probable Parkinson's. My Dad has seen 2 neurologists and both won't give a definitive diagnosis, but say over 95% chance it is Parkinson's. Reading on possible futures has really taken the wind out of my Dad's sails. The Requip seems to be helping somewhat, so far. Another tidbit is that my Dad worked in the oil industry and was exposed to blowouts (oil spewing) many times. He worked as a petroleum engineer in directional drilling as that technology was developing. An uncle on my Mom's side, also in the oil industry, died of Parkinson's this last year. My Dad wonders if there is a connection with chemical exposure, plus is just flat scared of his future. My Dad has always taken great care of himself and is in good shape (weight, exercising). Question: Does anyone know of a connection between metal dental caps or adhesive used in such caps to development of PD? Does anyone know of a connection between having worked in the oil industry and development of PD? My Dad would like to at least know what could be at the root, if anything other than randomness. Additional question: I know that there is a question unspoken much in the family. Is there any link to PD being inherited? My Dad has 7 siblings and none have any symptoms. My Dad is big into genealogy and tracks everyone's health too. His only other health concern is elevated triglycerides, which he controls with diet and exercise. I am starting a search on info. My Dad has gotten a computer too and is getting on-line. We are helping him get going. He says that things overwhelm him a bit and he also just gets depressed trying to take in the possible facts. I was flattered that he asked me to help him and hope that I can. I know that I've really jumped in with many questions. I will be going through the archives also. Would appreciate any help. Thanks for any input or opinions or comments, Meg F (in North Texas, US) [log in to unmask]