Navigating Life with Parkinson Disease

Here is a marvelous guide for anyone affected by Parkinson's disease--patients, caregivers, family members, and friends. Containing the most up-to-date information on the disease, one of the most common neurological disorders, it discusses the available treatments and provides practical advice on how to manage the disease in the long term. Emphasizing life-style adjustments that will provide a better quality of life and moderate the burden for patients and their loved ones, the book answers many questions and clarifies misunderstandings regarding the disease. Written by two experts on Parkinson's disease and a freelance journalist, the book is approachable and easily understandable. Question and answer sections are provided, while "hot topics" are highlighted for easy visibility. The authors have also included true patient stories that will both inspire and instruct, and they have addressed several topics often not mentioned in physician-directed disease management, such as how to talk to family and friends about one's life with Parkinson's.

Sotirios Parashos, MD, PhD, is Chair of Medical Research at the Struthers Parkinson's Center of the Park-Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Golden Valley, Minnesota, a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Rose Wichmann, PT, is a physical therapist and manager of the Struthers Parkinson's Center inGolden Valley, Minnesota, part of Park Nicollet Health Services.
Todd Melby is a reporter, radio journalist, and writer. He is a senior producer at 2 below zero, a non-profit dedicated to producing documentaries.

INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1: WHAT IS IT? WHY ME?What is it?What Causes Parkinson Disease?What Are the Stages of the Disease?Who Gets the Disease? Why Me?Is There Help?The Outlook for People with Parkinson DiseaseCHAPTER 2: THE MOTOR SYMPTOMSTremorBradykinesiaRigidityLoss of Balance, Freezing, and FallingOther Motor SymptomsMotor Symptoms That May Occur as a Complication of TreatmentCHAPTER 3: THE NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMSSensory SymptomsCognitive SymptomsCHAPTER 4: DIAGNOSISCHAPTER 5: HOW WILL MY LIFE CHANGE?Reacting to the DiagnosisSeeking More InformationNext StepCHAPTER 6: DISEASE MANAGEMENT: GENERAL PRINCIPLES, MEDICATIONS, AND SURGERYWhat Are Our Weapons in Treating Parkinson Disease?What if I Don't Want to Start Medications Right Away?Brain Surgery for Parkinson DiseaseCHAPTER 7: DISEASE MANAGEMENT: REHABILITATION THERAPY, ASSISTIVE DEVICES, AND ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENTPhysical TherapyOccupational TherapySpeech TherapyAssistive Devices and Adaptive EquipmentCHAPTER 8: DISEASE MANAGEMENT: SPECIFIC SYMPTOMSManaging Tremor, Bradykinesia, and RigidityManaging Balance Challenges and Freezing of GaitManaging Weakness and FatigueManaging Dyskinesia, Dystonia, and Wearing OffManaging Speech and Communication ProblemsManaging Excessive Salivation, Drooling, and Thick SecretionsManaging Swallowing ProblemsManaging Vision ProblemsManaging Difficulties with Bladder ControlDealing With Loss of Mobility in the Advanced StagesDealing With Mild Cognitive SymptomsManaging Confusion, Hallucinations, and DementiaDealing With Apathy, Depression, Impulsivity, and AnxietyManaging Sleep Changes in Parkinson DiseaseManaging Orthostatic HypotensionWeight LossKeeping Skin in ShapeHospitalizationElective SurgeryMedications to AvoidCHAPTER 9: LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND DISEASE MANAGEMENTThe Importance of ExerciseLeisure ActivitiesStress ManagementDrivingSpiritualityTravelUsing Complementary TherapiesThe Power of Music and DanceGetting Involved in the Parkinson CommunityCHAPTER 10: RESEARCHWhy Should I Consider Participating in Research?What Kinds of Research Studies May Be Open to a Person With Parkinson Disease?The "Informed Consent"Where Can I Learn More?CHAPTER 11: LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUESAdvance DirectivesLiving WillsHIPAA-What Information Do I Have Access to and How to Make the Most of ItMaintaining Tracking Information through Electronic Medical RecordsADA IssuesFinancial PlanningCHAPTER 12: THE CAREPARTNERCoping With Caregiver Stress and FatiguePlanning for the FutureCHAPTER 13: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, ADVOCACY, AND RESOURCESA Passion for AdvocacyFind Out MoreGLOSSARY