RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE.

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas--The string of A's scrolling across Master Sgt Dan Derlein's computer monitor undivided fall afternoon in 2001 affected him--not because his computer could be breaking down however because he wasn't intentionally pressing the key

Other rascal hand movements and an intermittent limp in a short time developed, prompting Derlein to diocese a doctor. After a gauntlet of exhibitions and visits with neurologists, a specialist diagnosed Parkinson's disease, a debilitating and incurable disease of the nervous system

"I deliberation Parkinson's disease was something that happened when folks got older," said the 37-year-old Air Force Personnel Center computer programmer. "I didn't know anything about it. I didn't think it was as bitter as it is."

Resulting from a lack of the brain chemical dopamine, this degenerative disease afflicts more than 15 million people--the majority throughout 60 years of age, according to the Parkinson's disease foundation. Derlein is part of the 10 percent of patients subordinate to 50. Those suffering from Parkinson's submit to a variety of symptoms, including progressively worsening tremors, rigidity, dull movement, poor balance and walking problems

"Basically, my mind has divorced my body" he said. "Anything that requires dexterity, like turning a screwdriver or unruffled putting up Christmas lights, is really difficult, I can't play the guitar any more, either--that really hurts"

Medications generally keep his symptoms in check, further since there's no cure, his nervous hypothesis continues to degrade.

Derlein's search for understanding l him to the Young attack Parkinson's Association's Web site (www.yopa.org). The association's institutor Tom Berdine, is a former Air Force technical sergeant who chose a medical retirement befitting to Parkinson's disease in 2001 After a not many e-mail exchanges, Derlein realized that he and Berdine serv together at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in the mid-1980s. Berdine said he's been contacted at more than 10 military folks seeking advice on their medical boards for Parkinson's in just common year.

"It's difficult going between the walls of the diagnosis of a chronic, degenerative disease. Tom understood what I was going through" Derlein said. "He really helped me by the and of the diagnosis and my medical evaluation board. To be conscientious I was more afraid of that board than the disease. I still have pair years before I can retire, and I want to be able to finish my career."

Although he temporarily squandered his mobility status, Dan passed the medical board and was still able to do his work at jobs programming computers. His co-workers helped him obtain voice-driven software for use when typing becomes difficult.

"Dan be warmeds like he's really gone downhill, on the contrary his work doesn't show it," said Cherri Hummel Derlein's supervisor. "He's top-notch--an amazing bodily form People are always coming to him for help because he's in like manner good with computers."

"I'm actual lucky to be in a unit like this," Derlein said. "The population I work with are like family, they pushed me to view the doctor in the beginning.

"Things may take me a little longer and I might complain a little louder unless I'll get them done," said the father of three "I still have a destiny left to do with my life--like achieve my kids through college." [For more information, proceed to www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/disability/Pages/Intro.html].

--1st Lt Brandon Lingle Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

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