The symptoms had begun in their early 30s for both men. First there was the mild stiffening of limbs and the tremors that mark the onset of Parkinson's disease. Then came the gradual loss of muscle control, leaving them prisoners in their own bodies -- mentally lucid but physically unable to eat, urinate or comb their hair without assistance. Levodopa, the most common treatment for the debilitating illness, had ceased to work for one man and could not be tolerated by the other. Nor were other drugs of use. Facing further deterioration, the two agreed to become guinea pigs in a...
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