Parkinson's Disease: A Self-Help Guide

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, this book was written for you. Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurologic illnesses, one that often has devastating effects on patients and their families. Because the disease is progressive and disabling, the diagnosis is likely to be traumatic.

This compassionate, informative, and essentially practical book will help fill the gap too often left in doctor-patient communication. Patients are often given only minimal information about their condition and its treatment, with the family left to adapt as best they can to the long-term demands of the illness. This practical, detailed guide provides full up-to-date information about:

The symptoms of the disease and its possible causes. The process of diagnosis and the likely course of the illness. Various types of treatment, including medication and surgery. The implications of the disease for work, daily activities, finance, and personal and social relationships. What both patients and families can do to minimize and cope with the stresses they will have to face. Support groups and other organizations that can offer help.

Although Parkinson's disease inevitably has a major effect on the well-being and social life of patient and family, the valuable advice offered in this book will lighten the load and ease the challenge of coping.

North American rights only.