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M. Deitz wrote: > Hi Dr. Fink, > > Did you find any new developments in PD while in China? I am sure everyone on > the list would be interested in your response. > > Congraulations on your recent marriage. > > Helen Mason BSN > Not much new in China regarding PD. Some PWPs were being treated at the Rehabilitation Center (where the conference was) with "Traditional Chinese Medicine", this including acupuncture (electronic and standard), herbs, massage, etc., and what I saw was that some of this helped with some specific symptoms (such as spasm and muscle pain) but did not affect the PD one way or another. Another factor was that the use of Sinemet and other modern drugs for PD was limited by financial considerations. The Socialist system in China (at least regarding health care) is deteriorating and most people either have to be content with cheaper (and substandard) treatments, or have to pay for modern treatment out of their own pockets. Since there is not a lot of individual wealth in China (there are some "rich people" but not many), this means that patients often "do without". I saw one young PWP who was crippled simply because she and her family could not afford the cost of Sinemet! Best, Bob *********************************** ROBERT A. FINK, M. D., F.A.C.S. Neurological Surgery 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA Phone: (510) 849-2555 FAX: (510) 849-2557 WWW: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/> mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ***********************************