From Paul Brown
The effects of ecstasy on people with Parkinson’s disease have been known about for some time (28 October, p 17). In 2001 the BBC broadcast a Horizon television documentary called Ecstasy & Agony about the experience of Tim Lawrence.
Lawrence suffered from severe Parkinson’s symptoms and side effects from his medication, including paralysis, spasm and tremor.
While taking ecstasy as a recreational drug he discovered it eased his symptoms and allowed his behaviour to become more normal. Further information, including a transcript of the documentary, is available at www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/2000/ecstasyagony.shtml.
Cotton Tree, Queensland, Australia
