Jean, the site looks very nice.

Thanks for the tape reference, Peg. Seems like every time I have gone by their table at PAN or some other event, they've just run out.

Birte, I'm crocheting a blanket for that new grandson of my spouse's, hand movement permitting. We still need to get together, I don't know where the time goes...

Ron, I have been taking isradipine only since mid-June, only 5 mg a day, and only because my blood pressure was starting to creep up. The lipitor is for a hereditary high cholesterol, and has been suspected of slowing down Alzheimer's and PD I've heard. My primary doctor was kind enough to prescribe these on a "no contra-indication" basis. My neuro said that there is no justification for giving me a higher dose of either based on one study on animals, and that the regime I'm on now is worth sticking with. I'm inclined to agree. I'm probably doing more by exercising than with a hit-or-miss dose of drugs or supplements. I also eat bright-colored vegetables and fruits on a daily basis. Wish I could be of more help, but keep up the cogent thinking, old friend.

LING, I cope with wearing off by taking the medication in question at more frequent intervals, taking them on a full or empty stomach, as required (Sinemet on an empty one), and using the other medications that stretch out the Sinemet, as mentioned above--Comtan, istradefylline, dopamine agonist (Requip). I NEVER wait for the next appointment if I feel I need a medication adjustment. My doctors work for me, not I for them, so I will call if I need advice. And in my humble opinion (IMHO), it's not that the medications become less effective, although some doctors say that to soothe us, it's that there are simply fewer functioning dopamine-producing brain cells to make dopamine out of the levodopa. I believe we shouldn't be afraid of Sinemet, though, just careful with it. Again and again, at symposiums I've been to, some mightly great doctors have said that--try to keep its delivery steady and don't go all the way off because you fear the next dose. Holding off doses so the blood level goes up and down is the worst thing you can do with Sinemet. As you can tell, my faith is with the best of the medical establishment, aided by our own thinking and observations, not to say that our own peers here in our forum aren't coming up with some really useful insights.

I've been happy to use some of my first full "on" today with this typing, but now I'm grabbing that baby blanket and putting another five hundred stitches on it before the babe grows up and goes to college.

Jaye