Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) (Paperback)

by Dr. William J. Weiner MD (Author), Dr. Lisa M. Shulman MD (Author), Dr. Anthony E. Lang MD FRCP (Author) "Whenever a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is made, patients and families naturally ask, "What is Parkinson's disease?..." (more)
Key Phrases: human fetal cell transplantation, antiparkinson medications, protein redistribution diet, United States, Complementary Alternative Therapies, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
As a result of actor Michael J. Fox's disclosure that he has Parkinson's disease, public discussion about both the symptoms and treatment of this illness has heightened. This attention is important, according to these authors, all specialists in the treatment of Parkinson's and other neurological disorders, because it is a progressive, chronic disease whose symptoms including trembling, uneasy gait and loss of dexterity mimic those of other diseases, which can often lead to misdiagnosis. One of the most frustrating aspects of Parkinson's is that it manifests itself differently in each of its victims, which makes coping with this disease particularly challenging. Nonetheless, what is most important, aver the authors, is that both Parkinson's patients and their families have access to the most up-to-date treatment including new drugs, surgery and other therapies (diet, speech therapy, acupuncture), and with compassionate, clear writing, they provide an excellent overview. Leaving no stone unturned, Weiner, Shulman and Lang also advise patients about less clinical but equally important matters such as dealing with health insurance companies and informing employers. Particularly useful for readers are the Q&A section and a comprehensive resource directory. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the first step, after which patients and their loved ones will find this practical guide the perfect complement to a physician's care. Illus.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Parkinson's disease affects over one million Americans and has recently has received notoriety thanks to actor Michael J. Fox's diagnosis. Weiner, director of Maryland Parkinson's Disease Center, presents known facts and clarification about this degenerative neurological disease. Physical, behavioral, and psychiatric signs and symptoms exhibited during mild, moderate, and advanced stages of the disease are examined, as are diseases that can mimic Parkinson's. The author emphasizes the questions patients should ask and the tests they should undergo before a diagnosis is made, and he outlines drug and surgical treatments, including alternative and complementary therapies. Somewhat clinical in tone, this title is more comprehensive than the American College of Physicians' Parkinson's Disease (DK, 2000), but it is not as effective as Caring for the Parkinson Patient, 2d ed., edited by J. Thomas Hutton and Raye Lynne Dippel (Prometheus, 1999), in providing information on daily coping skills and psychological adjustment to the disease. Still, the guide is excellent for its current medical and research information for the newly diagnosed. Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (April 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801865565
• ISBN-13: 978-0801865565
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #352,757 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parkinson's Disease, April 19, 2002

By	Ashley Raczkowski (West Newton, PA USA) - See all my reviews

The author of this book did a great job in explaining what Parkinson's Disease is and giving information for the patient and the caregiver. I am a dental hygienist and I learned just an overview of the disease in school. After having my first patient with the disease I decided to learn more about it. I learned alot from this book that I should of already known for my patient. The book tells you the symptoms and the side effects of the disease and advice on drug therapy, diet, and exercise. Some people don't even know that they have the disease for a couple of months or even years. They think it is just old age or arthritis. The book also states what kind of medical advice to seek.
I have never met a patient with Parkinson's Disease until a couple of months ago. I didn't know what to expect. When the patient walked in I was shocked. She looked normal and wasn't shaking. She was the sweetest patient I had met. She explained to me her life and how she lives with the disease. She said that she sometimes gets embarrased to be seen in public when she has her tremors because she thinks that everyone is staring at her. But she said she is the same person as all of us. She just has to take medication and she gets tired alot more than you and me. When I was cleaning her teeth she only had mild tremors so it wasn't that difficult to work on her. But one day I will probably get a patient who has severe tremors but I am ready thanks to this book in guiding me with the knowledge of what I needed to know. I think that if you know someone who has Parkinson's disease or if you would like to learn more about the disease buy this book and you will be filled with all the information you need to know about Parkinson's disease.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have, September 20, 2004

By	Jennifer M. Molnar (Niles, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have PD or care for someone or know someone with it you will find this book helpful in any of those situations. I learned many things from this book. Including that some things my husband, who has early onset PD, was going through that turned out were symptoms and not just random events. I thank those that wrote this for helping me care for him and being informed. Also, they section on young onset PD really helped because i was beginning to feel he had intermediate PD when really it was signs and symptoms from his Y.O.P.D. It lifted a heavy weight knowing he wasn't that far into the disease (intermediate stage). I was able to rely many things to his nuerologist that he was experiencing based upon my reading so he can get better care. Thank you.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Information, February 12, 2002

By	B. J. Emerson (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Never having had any experience or knowledge on the basis of this disease, I got the book to help me understand my father's disease. I have gotten a fuller understanding of the causes of the disease, the symptoms, the treatments (and making decisions regarding the selections of the treatments), and the progression of the disease. I feel much better informed and feel I can support my father better because of it. It was definitely written to help support the patient and family supporting that patient.