Although pleased that Judith Ann Norton believes she has found the solution to her condition in gardening and is now well (Lady Living a Miracle, Weekender, September 20) I venture to say that she did not have Parkinson's Disease and certainly did not "collapse with Parkinson's Disease". Yes, I have known people with Parkinson's who find their symptoms disappear when they are engrossed in a particular hobby but as soon as they stop the symptoms return.

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological condition and the symptoms only start to appear after the loss of about 80 per cent of dopamine producing cells. It is these cells which allow messages to be sent to the part of the brain which co-ordinates all movement. Therefore, with the loss of dopamine that part of the brain is unable to function normally. At present the reason for the loss of dopamine is unknown and there is no cure but the condition is helped by the use of various drugs and sometimes surgery. Research continues to find a cure.

It is to be regretted that an article such as this sends out the wrong message trivialising the effects both of people living with Parkinson's and also ME which in both cases can have the most devastating effect on daily life, not just for the person living with these conditions, but for all their family and friends. Not for the odd day or two but for the remainder of life.