Dr. James Parkinson originally considered stress the cause of PD. This was stated last year at the PAN forum by Dr. Langston in his talk. So I guess it isn't completely true to say that PD is not a lifestyle illness.

Stress comes from so many sources - insecurities, worry, overwork, trauma, guilt, anger, and on and on. Stress made me rigid before I had PD.

Eliminating stress is not given much consideration in treatment programs. Medicare should contract people to develop exercise programs for people with chronic illness, complete with transportation.

I'll bet the older and disabled would find themselves hanging out at the rec center instead of in the doctor's offices with aches and pains.

paula