To discover if you have the genetic form of PD. a company, Athenia Diagnostics, has this test commercially available. If you have the mutations, the information in the above articles will tell you the most effective drugs and the symptoms to be aware of.

My HMO paid for my test which is as simple as having some blood drawn at your doctors office and having the sample sent to Athenia Diagnostics for evaluation. It is strongly advised you speak to a Genetic Counselor for the best understanding of the test results and what affect it may have on family members if the result shows you have mutations.

Knowing that you have a mutation will affect how you choose to discuss with your neurologists the best treatment for this particular form of PD. The education process starts with patient making every test available for him/her to take to narrow down the possible treatments that will work best for him/her.

One of the available Technological tools is the DBS surgery. Because of parkin patient's oversensitivity to L-Dopa, DBS may be preferred over drugs and at a younger age, to avoid the toxic build up of synthetic Dopamine.

Vicky