Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Self-Help Guide (Paperback)

by David L. Cram MD (Author) "If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD), it is easy to feel overwhelmed or believe there is nothing you..." (more)
Key Phrases: antiparkinson drugs, antiparkinson medications, healthcare team, Helping Yourself (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews
A simple, sympathetic guide to coping with a progressive, disabling brain disorder. Physician Cram was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease ten years ago. Here he matches his personal experience with his experiences treating other patients with the disease, the result is real hope for good health. Cram is a firm believer in four elements to self-help: a positive attitude, information about the disease; partnership with a knowledgeable physician, and a willingness to take action, to do the things ``that make you feel better, help slow the disability, and keep you as independent as possible for as long as possible.'' Thus, he first explains the disease: its hallmarks are trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; stiffness and rigidity of the limbs and torso; slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination. There are other possible symptoms, from depression to changes in speech. Cram goes on to explain the overall progression of the disease through five stages. The hope he offers is that early self-help and medication may delay or even prevent the later stages. He looks at length at emotional considerations, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle needs, as well as present and possible future medical treatments. Cram also is careful to include practical help and encouragement for caregivers. Kind, practical, and thorough, a valuable starting point. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
"David Cram shares his experience and....outlines sources for help and support." -- -Publisher's Weekly

"[Dr. Cram] empathetically describes the aspects of PD...Quotes from Parkinson's patients enhance the informative, authoritative text..." -- -Library Journal

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Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Addicus Books; 1st edition (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886039402
• ISBN-13: 978-1886039407
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #429,200 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light Informative Reading, January 6, 2000

By A Customer

"Understanding Parkinson's Disease" is a well-written book introducing a patient to life as a Parkinson's patient. I purchased this book to pre-screen it for my parents and found that it was a good book to give them because of it's positive discussion about the disease. If you know a Parkinson's patient who refuses to read up about the disease (because they don't want to read about all the restrictions they will have to face in their future) this is a good "first" book. The "Self Help Guide" has a pro-active upbeat approach to working with the disease. It doesn't spend a lot of time belaboring how miserable the future will be, but focuses on how to deal with the present. Since Dr. Cram has Parkinson's Disease himself his viewpoints about the disease help give credibility and enlightenment to the reader. This book summarized all aspects of the disease while showing how to live with the symptoms. It is a good starter book for preparing to live with Parkinson's Disease. Purchase "Caring for the Parkinson patient" by Hutton for a more in-depth review of Parkinson's and how to live (or care for someone) with the disease.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally...A plain speaking book about Parkinson's Disease, June 6, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Council Bluffs, Iowa) - See all my reviews

Dr. David Cram has written a very touching and informative book about Parkinson's Disease that I encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with PD or who knows someone who has been diagnosed with PD to check out. Dr. Cram who was dianosed ten years ago with PD writes from personal knowledge and covers everything from symptoms to the newest drug therapies. I also enjoyed the comments interspersed throughout the book from patients, physicians, nurses, counselors and therapists. This is a very encouraging book and I recommend it highly!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding PD--A Self-Help Guide--A review, October 4, 2005

By	Christopher Herron (Cheyenne, WY, USA) - See all my reviews

A well-written, nicely organized basic introduction and self-help guide written from the perspective of a physician suffering from Parkinson's Disease (PD). This paperback manual explores both the physical and mental sides of dealing with a chronic, devastating illness. It provides strategies and tips for both the sufferer and the caregiver. My only reservation is that, at times, I wished the author would have provided more detailed information on specific, recommended techniques designed to aid the patient. Highly recommended reading.