I am impressed with the breadth of material included, and that it is arranged in a readable and accessible manner. I particularly found the technical explanations of the role of food in body processes to be excellent. I had only vaguely understood the mechanism by which proteins interfere with the utilization of levodopa.
The appended lists of resources and bibliography are very useful. The recipes are appealing, and the menus which give the carbo/protein ratios are most helpful... The explanation of why water is so important is very helpful. The format of the book, with convenient spiral/lie-flat binding is good, the print is large and readable. -- >> Camilla Flintermann, co-owner of the CARElist for Parkinson's disease Caregivers on the Internet
I have done a great deal of reading and research concerning Parkinson's (PD), including nutrition, in the almost nine years since I became involved in working with and for people with PD....I feel that Kathrynne Holden's book is the most useful treatise which I have seen to date. Although the book is aimed at the lay person, it would also be extremely useful for any dietitian who is treating people with Parkinson's....it is very user-friendly....instructions are simple and easy to follow....She understands the particular problems of Parkinson's...she details why fiber, fluids, B vitamins and calcium are important in the diet. Her explanations of the levodopa/protein problem and the detailed menu planning and recipes...shopping lists, appendices with useful products...indicate a thorough understanding of PD and reflect her deep and sympathetic interest in people with Parkinson's. -- Mrs. Joy Graham, Committee Member, Parkinson's Association of Western Australia
As a Parkinson patient for 12 years, with diagnosis at the age of 34, I have learned countless strategies in coping with this disease. Some have come from professionals and others, and some from just plain old experience. 'Eat Well, Stay Well with Parkinson's disease' by Kathrynne Holden, has become an additional tool for coping.
When I read 'Eat Well.....' I was first impressed with the straightforward approach as to why we, as patients, need to comply with the principles in this book........'to stay out of the hospital.' Kathrynne's book goes straight to the major concern of Parkinson's patients, especially those in the latter years. We all want to maintain a life free from confinement in a hospital or nursing facility.
"In addition to this approach, her knowledge and presentation of the material is interesting, professional, and easily understood. So much of what we read and hear is in a language that is too technical. She candidly explains the 'why' and the 'how' of each topic she addresses in an understandable way.
"I think the most valuable benefit to me is that now I have the knowledge to care for myself properly, so that my latter years will be more productive and healthier that I dared hope they would be.
Thank you, Kathrynne, for your vision for this book and for your desire to help others. -- Jeana Bartlett
Ms. Holden, a registered dietitian and gerontological nutritionist, has pioneered work regarding the unique nutrition needs in Parkinson's disease. She completed a pilot study "Risk for malnutrition and bone fracture in Parkinson's disease," the results of which she presented at the Fourth Australian Multi-disciplinary Conference on Parkinson's Disease. She has developed tools with which to identify malnutrition risks in people with Parkinson's, and provides medical nutrition therapy for this group. She maintains an independent private practice, and regularly speaks to Parkinson support groups as well as health professionals throughout the United states.
