DEAR DR. GOTT: I'm a 53-year-old retired male. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about eight years ago, for which I take five medications. Since day one, my symptoms have been very mild. I have a resting hand tremor. Most people are unaware there's anything wrong with me.

How long before the disease advances to total disability? I know you cannot be specific, but based on your experience and what you've read and seen, could it be possible there will be no progression and that I'll continue as I am for 25 years or longer?

DEAR READER: The progression of Parkinson's disease varies tremendously for reasons that are unclear. Some patients are blessed with a complete cure within months. In contrast, other patients have progressive symptoms that lead to early complications, such as cognitive dysfunction and loss of independence. Most Parkinson's patients experience progressive symptoms for years before entering a terminal state.

As you have learned, early symptoms can be subtle and appear slowly. Initially, handwriting might appear cramped and difficult to read. Tremor can be present, often beginning in the hand. Gait might be affected, with frequent falls and shuffling of the feet during walking. A stooped posture will develop as the disease progresses. Arm rigidity can be observed. Memory loss and slow thinking may occur, although the ability to reason remains intact.

Management of Parkinson's is challenging. Begin by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and instituting good sleep habits.

While there is no cure, medication can slow the progression by treating the symptoms, thereby permitting a patient to maintain independence. I can't give you a time frame in which your symptoms might or might not advance. I can only hope the progression remains slow and uneventful, and your next 25 years are relatively symptom-free.

You should see a neurologist who is an expert in newer medications.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly updated Health Report "Parkinson's Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: You recently published a letter about the use of a rocking chair by the elderly. Rocking is a soothing activity, but the chair itself is often a problem. As one leans forward, the front of the chair lowers, which makes getting up difficult. Also, since many elderly need to use armrests for support, the movement of the chair means the armrest is not steady.

I caution the elderly to avoid low chairs and any chair that rocks, swivels or glides. I am a physical therapist with years of experience in home care, so I've seen the problems seniors face.

DEAR READER: Thank you for your excellent insight about the use of rocking chairs by the elderly. You are, of course, right on the money when dealing with seniors. Fortunately, many elderly people can walk, stand and get out of a chair with relative ease. In these instances, a rocking chair on the porch need not be an invitation to a catastrophe, but each case should be evaluated by family members or appropriate medical personnel.