The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book: Partnering with Your Doctor to Get the Most from Your Medications - Hardcover

Ahlskog M.D. Ph.D., J. Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195171934 ISBN 13: 9780195171938

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Nearly one million Americans, including Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali, suffer from Parkinson's Disease. Now, a leader in the fight against Parkinson's, Dr. J. Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic, has written the definitive guide for patients and their families.
Dr. Ahlskog offers a crystal-clear, nuts-and-bolts approach to the treatment of PD, distilled from over twenty years of experience as a clinician and researcher. His goal is to educate the patient so that they can better team with their doctor to do battle with the disease, streamlining the decision-making process and enhancing their treatment. To do this, Dr. Ahlskog offers a gold mine of information: How do I know if I have PD? What kinds of tests can I take? What medications slow the progress of the disease? What if medications don't help my tremor? What kinds of movement problems may develop later? How can I cope with insomnia and daytime sleepiness, dizziness and depression, memory problems, paranoia, and delusions? Indeed, the book covers virtually every topic related to Parkinson's, from sexual impotence and skin rashes, to the role of nutrition, exercise, and physical therapy. In addition, Dr. Ahlskog discusses brain surgery (though he urges that patients only consider this as a last resort) and such experimental therapies as stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. There are also lists of support and advocacy groups and Internet sites that focus on Parkinson's.
The ultimate guide to symptoms and treatment, this superb book is the first place patients should turn for reliable, easy-to-grasp information on Parkinson's disease.

About this title

About the Author

J. Eric Ahlskog, M.D. is Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Medical School, and Chair of the Mayo Section of Movement Disorders, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Widely considered to be a leading authority on this disorder, he has over twenty years of experience treating people with Parkinson's Disease, both in the clinic as a full-time, patient-seeing neurologist, and as a clinical-investigator, responsible for PD treatment protocols.

Review

"Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic is one of the country's leading experts in Parkinson's disease. His The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is comprehensive and informative and will be a welcome addition to the library of patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers." --Nathan Slewett,
Chaiman Emeritus, National Parkinson Foundation
"Dr. Ahlskog writes with true authority based on his strong scientific background, vast clinical experience, and ability to synthesize laboratory science and clinical acumen in a manner digestible and useful for the non-physician. 'Be a partner, not a patient' is an admonition that is particularly
constructive in optimizing the interactions between patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. In order to be an effective partner, it is essential that patients and their caregivers develop a basic, core understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, course, and likely complications of the
disease. A careful reading of The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is a substantial first step for patients in assuming full partnership."--G. Frederick Wooten, MD, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, American Parkinson Disease Association
"Dr. Ahlskog, one of the top specialists in Parkinson's disease, has put down in this wonderful book up-to-date information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease as well as his extensive experience and wisdom gained by caring for, and especially caring about, people with Parkinson's disease for over
two decades. It is filled with practical information and written in a style that is sophisticated enough to be useful but at the same time easily understandable by people with Parkinson's disease, their friends, and their families. As information is one of the most potent therapies for people
dealing with Parkinson's disease, this book represents a major treatment breakthrough."--Stephen G. Reich, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine
"Dr. Ahlskog has provided a remarkably readable and immensely useful book on the treatment of Parkinson's disease, addressed to patients and their caregivers. He lays out a wise approach to this complex and multifaceted disease which comes from many years of his own personal experience. What shines
through is his very special sensitivity to his patients and a lucid understanding of their needs. All aspects of the disease are covered.... Special attention is paid to the many non-motor problems that are all too often neglected in the treatment of patients such as anxiety, depression, sleep
disorders, sexuality issues, and problems with bladder, bowel, and blood pressure regulation. Most importantly, many of the myths and ill-conceived notions surrounding the treatment of Parkinson's disease are met head on and convincingly dispelled."--Daniel Tarsy, MD, Chief, Parkinson's Disease and
Movement Disorders Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
"Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic is one of the country's leading experts in Parkinson's disease. His The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is comprehensive and informative and will be a welcome addition to the library of patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers." --Nathan Slewett,
Chaiman Emeritus, National Parkinson Foundation
"Dr. Ahlskog writes with true authority based on his strong scientific background, vast clinical experience, and ability to synthesize laboratory science and clinical acumen in a manner digestible and useful for the non-physician. 'Be a partner, not a patient' is an admonition that is particularly
constructive in optimizing the interactions between patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. In order to be an effective partner, it is essential that patients and their caregivers develop a basic, core understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, course, and likely complications of the
disease. A careful reading of The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is a substantial first step for patients in assuming full partnership."--G. Frederick Wooten, MD, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, American Parkinson Disease Association
"Dr. Ahlskog, one of the top specialists in Parkinson's disease, has put down in this wonderful book up-to-date information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease as well as his extensive experience and wisdom gained by caring for, and especially caring about, people with Parkinson's disease for over
two decades. It is filled with practical information and written in a style that is sophisticated enough to be useful but at the same time easilyunderstandable by people with Parkinson's disease, their friends, and their families. As information is one of the most potent therapies for people
dealing with Parkinson's disease, this book represents a major treatment breakthrough."--Stephen G. Reich, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine
"Dr. Ahlskog has provided a remarkably readable and immensely useful book on the treatment of Parkinson's disease, addressed to patients and their caregivers. He lays out a wise approach to this complex and multifaceted disease which comes from many years of his own personal experience. What shines
through is his very special sensitivity to his patients and a lucid understanding of their needs. All aspects of the disease are covered.... Special attention is paid to the many non-motor problems that are all too often neglected in the treatment of patients such as anxiety, depression, sleep
disorders, sexuality issues, and problems with bladder, bowel, and blood pressure regulation. Most importantly, many of the myths and ill-conceived notions surrounding the treatment of Parkinson's disease are met head on and convincingly dispelled."--Daniel Tarsy, MD, Chief, Parkinson's Disease and
Movement Disorders Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
"Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic is one of the country's leading experts in Parkinson's disease. His The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is comprehensive and informative and will be a welcome addition to the library of patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers." --Nathan Slewett, Chaiman Emeritus, National Parkinson Foundation
"Dr. Ahlskog writes with true authority based on his strong scientific background, vast clinical experience, and ability to synthesize laboratory science and clinical acumen in a manner digestible and useful for the non-physician. 'Be a partner, not a patient' is an admonition that is particularly constructive in optimizing the interactions between patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. In order to be an effective partner, it is essential that patients and their caregivers develop a basic, core understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, course, and likely complications of the disease. A careful reading of The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is a substantial first step for patients in assuming full partnership."--G. Frederick Wooten, MD, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, American Parkinson Disease Association
"Dr. Ahlskog, one of the top specialists in Parkinson's disease, has put down in this wonderful book up-to-date information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease as well as his extensive experience and wisdom gained by caring for, and especially caring about, people with Parkinson's disease for over two decades. It is filled with practical information and written in a style that is sophisticated enough to be useful but at the same time easily understandable by people with Parkinson's disease, theirfriends, and their families. As information is one of the most potent therapies for people dealing with Parkinson's disease, this book represents a major treatment breakthrough."--Stephen G. Reich, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine
"Dr. Ahlskog has provided a remarkably readable and immensely useful book on the treatment of Parkinson's disease, addressed to patients and their caregivers. He lays out a wise approach to this complex and multifaceted disease which comes from many years of his own personal experience. What shines through is his very special sensitivity to his patients and a lucid understanding of their needs. All aspects of the disease are covered.... Special attention is paid to the many non-motor problems that are all too often neglected in the treatment of patients such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, sexuality issues, and problems with bladder, bowel, and blood pressure regulation. Most importantly, many of the myths and ill-conceived notions surrounding the treatment of Parkinson's disease are met head on and convincingly dispelled."--Daniel Tarsy, MD, Chief, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
"Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic is one of the country's leading experts in Parkinson's disease. His The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is comprehensive and informative and will be a welcome addition to the library of patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers." --Nathan Slewett, Chaiman Emeritus, National Parkinson Foundation

"Dr. Ahlskog writes with true authority based on his strong scientific background, vast clinical experience, and ability to synthesize laboratory science and clinical acumen in a manner digestible and useful for the non-physician. 'Be a partner, not a patient' is an admonition that is particularly constructive in optimizing the interactions between patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. In order to be an effective partner, it is essential that patients and their caregivers develop a basic, core understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, course, and likely complications of the disease. A careful reading of The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is a substantial first step for patients in assuming full partnership."--G. Frederick Wooten, MD, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, American Parkinson Disease Association

"Dr. Ahlskog, one of the top specialists in Parkinson's disease, has put down in this wonderful book up-to-date information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease as well as his extensive experience and wisdom gained by caring for, and especially caring about, people with Parkinson's disease for over two decades. It is filled with practical information and written in a style that is sophisticated enough to be useful but at the same time easily understandable by people with Parkinson's disease, their friends, and their families. As information is one of the most potent therapies for people dealing with Parkinson's disease, this book represents a major treatment breakthrough."--Stephen G. Reich, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine

"Dr. Ahlskog has provided a remarkably readable and immensely useful book on the treatment of Parkinson's disease, addressed to patients and their caregivers. He lays out a wise approach to this complex and multifaceted disease which comes from many years of his own personal experience. What shines through is his very special sensitivity to his patients and a lucid understanding of their needs. All aspects of the disease are covered.... Special attention is paid to the many non-motor problems that are all too often neglected in the treatment of patients such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, sexuality issues, and problems with bladder, bowel, and blood pressure regulation. Most importantly, many of the myths and ill-conceived notions surrounding the treatment of Parkinson's disease are met head on and convincingly dispelled."--Daniel Tarsy, MD, Chief, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

"Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic is one of the country's leading experts in Parkinson's disease. His The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is comprehensive and informative and will be a welcome addition to the library of patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers." --Nathan Slewett, Chaiman Emeritus, National Parkinson Foundation

"Dr. Ahlskog writes with true authority based on his strong scientific background, vast clinical experience, and ability to synthesize laboratory science and clinical acumen in a manner digestible and useful for the non-physician. 'Be a partner, not a patient' is an admonition that is particularly constructive in optimizing the interactions between patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. In order to be an effective partner, it is essential that patients and their caregivers develop a basic, core understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, course, and likely complications of the disease. A careful reading of The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is a substantial first step for patients in assuming full partnership."--G. Frederick Wooten, MD, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, American Parkinson Disease Association

"Dr. Ahlskog, one of the top specialists in Parkinson's disease, has put down in this wonderful book up-to-date information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease as well as his extensive experience and wisdom gained by caring for, and especially caring about, people with Parkinson's disease for over two decades. It is filled with practical information and written in a style that is sophisticated enough to be useful but at the same time easily understandable by people with Parkinson's disease, their friends, and their families. As information is one of the most potent therapies for people dealing with Parkinson's disease, this book represents a major treatment breakthrough." --Stephen G. Reich, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine

"Dr. Ahlskog has provided a remarkably readable and immensely useful book on the treatment of Parkinson's disease, addressed to patients and their caregivers. He lays out a wise approach to this complex and multifaceted disease which comes from many years of his own personal experience. What shines through is his very special sensitivity to his patients and a lucid understanding of their needs. All aspects of the disease are covered.... Special attention is paid to the many non-motor problems that are all too often neglected in the treatment of patients such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, sexuality issues, and problems with bladder, bowel, and blood pressure regulation. Most importantly, many of the myths and ill-conceived notions surrounding the treatment of Parkinson's disease are met head on and convincingly dispelled."--Daniel Tarsy, MD, Chief, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

"The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book may be the most appropriate way to learn about and manage PD...represents an encyclopedia guide on PD care that I highly recommend for patients." --Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0195171934
• ISBN 13: 9780195171938
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 544