Patients & Families Guide for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families

by William J. Weiner, Lisa M. Shulman & Anthony E. Lang

Check out detail of "Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families"

Book Description
Recent innovations, including deep brain stimulation and new medications, have significantly improved the lives of people with Parkinson's disease. Nevertheless, medical, emotional, and physical challenges remain. The second edition of this accessible and comprehensive guide provides crucial information for managing this complex condition, including details on the use of medications, diet, exercise, complementary therapies, and surgery.

The second edition includes new information about:

• The genetic and hereditary pattern of the disease
• Medications and uses of established medications
• Other approaches to treating the symptoms of Parkinson's
• Juvenile-onset Parkinson's disease
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
• The effects of fluctuating hormones on disease symptoms
• Fetal cell transplants and porcine cell transplants
• The nutritional supplement Co-Enzyme Q10

Book Review
As a result of actor Michael J. Fox's disclosure that he has Parkinson's disease, public discussion about both the symptoms and treatment of this illness has heightened. This attention is important, according to these authors, all specialists in the treatment of Parkinson's and other neurological disorders, because it is a progressive, chronic disease whose symptoms including trembling, uneasy gait and loss of dexterity mimic those of other diseases, which can often lead to misdiagnosis.

One of the most frustrating aspects of Parkinson's is that it manifests itself differently in each of its victims, which makes coping with this disease particularly challenging. Nonetheless, what is most important, aver the authors, is that both Parkinson's patients and their families have access to the most up-to-date treatment including new drugs, surgery and other therapies (diet, speech therapy, acupuncture), and with compassionate, clear writing, they provide an excellent overview. Leaving no stone unturned, Weiner, Shulman and Lang also advise patients about less clinical but equally important matters such as dealing with health insurance companies and informing employers. Particularly useful for readers are the Q&A section and a comprehensive resource directory. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the first step, after which patients and their loved ones will find this practical guide the perfect complement to a physician's care.

About the Author
William J. Weiner, M.D., is director of the Maryland Parkinson's Disease Center and professor and chairman of the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He also serves as the chief of neurology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He is the author of numerous books and papers on Parkinson's disease. Lisa M. Shulman, M.D., is a professor of neurology, holds the Eugenia Brin Professorship, and is the Rosalyn Newman Distinguished Scholar in Parkinson's Disease at the University of Maryland. Anthony E. Lang, M.D., F.R.C.P., is a professor of neurology and holds the Jack Clark Chair in Parkinson's Disease Research at the University of Toronto. He is the director of the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Center at Toronto Western Hospital, as well as the past editor of the journal Movement Disorders and the president-elect of the Movement Disorders Society.