If only as a mental exercise, we should periodically step back from PD for a fresh look. In that spirit, let me put an idea on the table.

Generally speaking, PWP do share certain characteristics. The so-called Parkinson's personality does exist. As a group we tend to get things done and are dependable.

Don't you just hate it sometimes? Just get sick of being the good kid? Tired of being teacher's pet? Isn't there a part of you that wishes it had a time machine and could go back and have a talk with a younger you? "Hey, kid! C'mere. They're not really your friend. They just don't want you disrupting the classroom." Isn't there a little part of you that would like to strap a Death Ray across your back and do a King Kong up a sky scraper? Sure there is!!

Everyone has several layers of personality with each laid down at different ages. Each one is, in a sense, a different individual and part of growing up is integrating them into one. Think of them as kids on the bus with the grownup driving. Occasionally one of them grabs the wheel for a short time. Others sit quietly and never make trouble. Some throw spitballs.

Each of those kids is capable of emotion. In fact, they are are more emotive than verbal. Some get upset because the other buses stopped for ice cream. Some are tired of the smelly old bus. Some don't want to do their homework.

The point is that as adults we have to control the kids on our bus. But some of them are sick and tired of it. "Sick and tired" of being the good kid. Everyone has a certain amount of inner conflict. Some more than others. Do PWP represent the ones whose sense of conflict passes a certain point?

What is the brain chemistry associated with the sub-clinical "fed up" state? What hormones are released and how do they react to the stress response? Stress that causes inflammation? That releases cortisol? That decommissions 80% of neurons in the SN by the time we hit as low as 40?

Is it possible that PD is a way of saying "I'm tired of this emotional slavery to responsibility. I quit."