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I just sent this email to AARP in response to their recent article. [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------- In D. Keith Mano's article, "Bert & Me", in the March/April issue of Modern Maturity, he gives a name to his "condition". He was referring to his Parkinson's Disease. I also have PD and do not consider it a condition. A condition would not rob you of your independence. Things people may take for granted, like dressing, moving, eating, sleeping, playing with your grandchildren, taking walks with your loved one, become more and more difficult as this disease progresses. Being able to communicate with those you love becomes stressful and frustrating because it can take away your voice volume and the ability to write. These are just a few of the everyday things that people with PD have to endure. And yes there is pain, not only pain from stiff and cramped muscles, but also the emotional pain of dealing with this affliction. I sure would not give a cutesy name to something I wanted to get rid of. I am only 59 and have had PD for over 7 years. I feel a "condition" is something you can get over, and so far there is no getting over PD. Marge Herrmann Canoga Park, CA