Author: William J Weiner
Recent innovations, including deep brain stimulation and new medications, have significantly improved the lives of people with Parkinson's disease. Nevertheless, medical, emotional, and physical challenges remain. The second edition of this accessible and comprehensive guide provides crucial information for managing this complex condition, including details on the use of medications, diet, exercise, complementary therapies, and surgery.
The second edition includes new information about:
• The genetic and hereditary pattern of the disease
• Medications and uses of established medications
• Other approaches to treating the symptoms of Parkinson's
• Juvenile-onset Parkinson's disease
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
• The effects of fluctuating hormones on disease symptoms
• Fetal cell transplants and porcine cell transplants
• The nutritional supplement Co-Enzyme Q10
William C. Koller
There is a definite need for this timely book. It is one of the best I have seen for people with Parkinson's disease and for their families.
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. (May 19) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer: Daniel B. Hier, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: This is a compact well-written introduction to Parkinson's disease written for patients and their families.
Purpose: The authors have set out to provide patients with a useful guide to Parkinson's disease.
Audience: It is aimed at patient with Parkinson's disease and their families.
Features: Using a question and answer format, the authors have created a general market book that addresses many important issues related to Parkinson's disease including diagnosis, treatment, and disease complications.
Assessment: This is a useful book for patients with Parkinson's disease and their families. It is written in a clear fashion by experts in the field. Although technical terms are used, they are carefully defined and explained. The book is quite readable. Physicians taking care of Parkinson's disease patients can recommend this book to their patients with confidence.
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 Cahners Business Information.
Rating
3 Stars from Doody
No comments:
Post a Comment