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Dear Lorraine: I wanted to let you know that we, the National Parkinson Foundation, have free literature and quarterly magazines. Having a basic understanding of the illness, and continuing to learn as much as you can, will better prepare you to help your father AND your mother cope with and manage the disease. It is important to be very supportive of your mother at this time too. Caregivers are often overlooked, but they are profoundly affected by the disease too. Please let me know if you would like me to place your name on the list. Since your father does not want others to know he has PD at this time, I would advise NOT getting him on the list without his permission. As for the denial, even though he had noticeable problems within the last 2 years, it is not uncommon for someone to be in a state of denial following a "formal" diagnosis. If receptive to the idea, perhaps your mother can talk with him about getting counseling to help him make the adjustment. In the meantime, continue to provide as much support as you can. Sincerely, Bonnie Cunningham, R.N. NPF Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 14:01:26 -0500 From: "Hill, Lorraine" <[log in to unmask]> Subject: <No subject given> My father has recently been diagnosed with Parkison's disease, however, he has instructed my mother not to let anyone know about this. It has been obvious that there has been a problem for almost 2 years now, so how he can think that we don't know that there is something wrong baffles me. I am interested in finding out as much as I can about how to get information about the disease and how to deal with him since I am not supposed to know about it. I am also interested in finding out about treatment therapies. He is being treated but he does not discuss the details with my mother so we are really in the dark. Thanks for your help. Lorraine Hill [log in to unmask]