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 in Golden 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.

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 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 Disease CHAPTER 2: THE MOTOR SYMPTOMS Tremor Bradykinesia Rigidity Loss of Balance, Freezing, and Falling Other Motor Symptoms Motor Symptoms That May Occur as a Complication of Treatment CHAPTER 3: THE NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMS Sensory Symptoms Cognitive Symptoms CHAPTER 4: DIAGNOSIS CHAPTER 5: HOW WILL MY LIFE CHANGE? Reacting to the Diagnosis Seeking More Information Next Step CHAPTER 6: DISEASE MANAGEMENT: GENERAL PRINCIPLES, MEDICATIONS, AND SURGERY What Are Our Weapons in Treating Parkinson Disease? What if I Don't Want to Start Medications Right Away? Brain Surgery for Parkinson Disease CHAPTER 7: DISEASE MANAGEMENT: REHABILITATION THERAPY, ASSISTIVE DEVICES, AND ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment CHAPTER 8: DISEASE MANAGEMENT: SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS Managing Tremor, Bradykinesia, and Rigidity Managing Balance Challenges and Freezing of Gait Managing Weakness and Fatigue Managing Dyskinesia, Dystonia, and Wearing Off Managing Speech and Communication Problems Managing Excessive Salivation, Drooling, and Thick Secretions Managing Swallowing Problems Managing Vision Problems Managing Difficulties with Bladder Control Dealing With Loss of Mobility in the Advanced Stages Dealing With Mild Cognitive Symptoms Managing Confusion, Hallucinations, and Dementia Dealing With Apathy, Depression, Impulsivity, and Anxiety Managing Sleep Changes in Parkinson Disease Managing Orthostatic Hypotension Weight Loss Keeping Skin in Shape Hospitalization Elective Surgery Medications to Avoid CHAPTER 9: LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT The Importance of Exercise Leisure Activities Stress Management Driving Spirituality Travel Using Complementary Therapies The Power of Music and Dance Getting Involved in the Parkinson Community CHAPTER 10: RESEARCH Why 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 ISSUES Advance Directives Living Wills HIPAA-What Information Do I Have Access to and How to Make the Most of It Maintaining Tracking Information through Electronic Medical Records ADA Issues Financial Planning CHAPTER 12: THE CAREPARTNER Coping With Caregiver Stress and Fatigue Planning for the Future CHAPTER 13: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, ADVOCACY, AND RESOURCES A Passion for Advocacy Find Out More GLOSSARY