Last Friday I finished my final testing for the Stanford Young Plasma Study, Phase I.

Although there were many tests, I have the numbers for the UPDRS. These numbers may reflect a placebo effect, but they are what they are.

I was tested both on and off medications in January before the first infusion; in mid-February after all eight infusions; and 5.5 weeks after the last infusion. Both on and off tests reflected a 50% drop in the UPDRS scores. The on medication test showed a continuing drop in score after the infusions were over, from 13 to 10 to 7. The off medication tests were 28, 14 and 14. As I have noted before, I feel very little effect from the Parkinson's since the infusions.

We also know that the forced pace cycling has made a tremendous difference in my disease progression. I'm wondering if the combination of the plasma and the cycling (and probably the placebo) is making a difference. At any rate, this appears to be going in the right direction.

All that said, we are talking about a sample of one, which is clearly more anecdotal than scientific. I'm eager too see what happens with the other participants in the study when the results are published in the next year or more.