When Parkinson's Strikes Early: Voices, Choices, Resources, and Treatment [Hardcover]

Barbara Blake-Krebs M.A. (Author), Linda Herman M.L.S. (Author), Susan Reese M.A. R.N. LCSW (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 2001

Once considered a disease of the elderly, studies now show that an estimated 15% of all Parkinson's Disease (PD) sufferers are diagnosed under the age of 50. In this book the physical, emotional, and social struggles faced by young people with Parkinson's is discussed, as well as the roads to self-empowerment that can be found through the support and resources of the PD global community. Topics include:
· the complex array of Parkinson's symptoms and the side effects of medications
· current surgery options-described by patients who have undergone these procedures
· the benefits of patients developing a strong knowledge base about their disease

When Parkinson's Strikes Early is filled with stories and insights from the Parkinson Information Exchange Network (PIEN), an online discussion group. The authors' goals are to advance public awareness and understanding about Parkinson's Disease and to increase research funding. The book also includes a listing of resources, grassroots advocacy ideas and a complete index.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Parkinson's struck Blake-Krebs and Herman in their mid-40s, and it hits some in their 30s or even earlier. Young people who have this disease usually associated with the elderly face several major problems, including living with the disease for many years, continually adjusting drugs and dosages, and finding assisted-living facilities. Those come in addition to difficulties with romance, marriage, and family life; the deeply personal chapter on the latter difficulties is one of the best in the book. Blake-Krebs and Herman also present valuable material on Parkinson's diagnosis, treatment (there is no cure), research, funding, and publicity, and in the main text and appendixes they provide access to support and other resource groups. Smoothly blending excerpts from the e-mailings of members of the Parkinson's Information Exchange Network (PIEN) and their own writing, Blake-Krebs and Herman assemble a real aid to younger Parkinson's sufferers. William Beatty
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House Publishers (August 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897933419
• ISBN-13: 978-0897933414
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,771,982 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless support for all with Parkinson's - especially young onset, August 16, 2005

By 

lizzy4451 "[e-mail]" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Parkinson's Strikes Early: Voices, Choices, Resources, and Treatment (Hardcover)

This book is for anyone involved with Parkinson's disease, but especially those diagnosed at an early age. I was diagnosed in my early 40's and found this book to be a great source of information and support. People diagnosed at an 'early' age have additional issues to deal with such as young families, employers and a medical treatment plan that must span many years. This book offers quotes and thoughts from many who have endured. Although the book was written a few years ago, the support offered is timeless.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book of its kind I've read, November 28, 2002

By 

Bill Harrington (Port Alberni, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Parkinson's Strikes Early: Voices, Choices, Resources, and Treatment (Hardcover)

I had the honor of having a couple poems included in this book
and am aware of the huge committment made by the authors to
assemble; organize and edit this rarely explored topic. This book looks at a horrible, progressive neurological disease from
an unique perspective; that of those afflicted at an early age; (and their caregivers) who face ignorance and lack of understanding as well as the physical and mental problems commonly associated with the disease.

This is not some dry, statistical analysis but an indepth look
at a nightmare world few people truly understand. It is filled
with useful knowledge and organizations and is a must-have for
anyone suffering from or caring for those with Parkinson's.

I can't stress enough how much this book sheds light on a topic
rarely discussed in this depth. Doctors, nurses and anyone in the
medical field are missing something special if they don't make the time to read this book.

Bill Harrington

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Everyone is Affected Differently, December 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: When Parkinson's Strikes Early: Voices, Choices, Resources, and Treatment (Paperback)

Everyone is affected differently by Parkinson's Disease. Some have it worse than others. For some, progression is slow, for others it is more rapid. Some people do not manifest tremors. Many don't face upper body problems, speech or swallowing problems. There are many myths associated with Parkinson's. It is very individual. Living with Parkinson's is a learning process, and one has to keep a positive attitude. Many people are living well and independently with the disease. It doesn't necessarily have to be a nightmare world. There are adjustments to be made, and it can be an inconvenience, but the challenge will reap rewards.