From the Back Cover
When Russell J. Ahlstrom was diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease at the unusually young age of 21, little did he suspect the profound effect it would have on the course of his entire life. Refusing to either become a victim to the disease or listen to the initial doctors who all told him "it's all in your head," he chose instead to follow the path of education. Arming himself with as much knowledge as possible, he has used that knowledge and the example of his own triumphant life to become a beacon of hope to all that suffer from Parkinson's.
"It's All in Your Head" offers the reader rare insight into a very frustrating disease. Combining both practical information with inspiration, Russell J. Ahlstrom has provided health-care officials, Parkinson's patients, their families, and their friends with an invaluable resource.
About the Author
Russell John Ahlstrom was born in Fort Pierce, Florida, in 1944. Upon graduation from Mankato High School in Minnesota, he served in the United States Air Force from 1962- 1966, during which he was diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease. Nearly 20 years later, he started the Parkinson's Education Program of the Mankato Area, and organization with which he remains very active as its director. A noted public speaker, Mr. Ahlstrom has also received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to society and in 1994 was presented with the first annual Sidney Dorros Memorial Award given by the National Parkinson's Foundation.
Mr. Ahlstrom has been married to his wife Dee for 27 years. They have one daughter, Michelle, and live in North Mankato, Minnesota.
