Making the Connection Between Brain & Behavior: Coping with Parkinson's Disease

by Joseph H. Friedman

Fully Revised and Updated

The only complete and up-to-date book addressing the most common behavioral symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, disrupted sleep, and compulsive behavior.

When people think about PD they usually picture tremor, shuffling, and other physical changes. But as many as 90% of all Parkinson’s patients also live with behavioral symptoms that few families are prepared to handle. In this fully revised and updated edition of Making the Connection Between Brain and Behavior, Dr. Joseph H. Friedman, a leading expert in PD, explains the most common behavioral issues in down-to-earth, straightforward language, offers the most current research on available therapies and medications, and provides guidance on ways to communicate with your healthcare team for effective treatment.

Now, fully updated and revised throughout and including three new chapters and two new appendices, Making the Connection Between Brain and Behavior includes even more information on a variety of treatment options, including Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). It is an essential resource for every person with PD and his or her family.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2007

Reviews

[Susan Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband was diagnosed of Parkinsons disease 2 years ago, when he was 49. He had a stooped posture, tremors, right arm does not move and also a pulsating feeling in his body. He was placed on Senemet for 8 months and then Sifrol was introduced and replaced the Senemet, during this time span he was also diagnosed with dementia. He started having hallucinations, lost touch with reality. Suspecting it was the medication I took him off the Siferol (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started him on PD-5 natural herbal formula we ordered from AKNNI HERBAL CENTRE, his symptoms totally declined over a 3 weeks use of the AKANNI HERBAL Parkinson's disease natural herbal formula. He is now almost 51 and doing very well, the disease is totally reversed!  (Visit w w w.aknniherbscentre .com)

[Robert Hum · Rating 5 out of 5]

No-brainer! If have PD or are caring for someone with PD or have a friend with PD

Great reference for the lay reader. If you are a PwP, give your family and friends a copy of this book. It will help them understand your journey. Most people think of PD as a ‘movement disorder’. It is so much more complicated. A really good read! I highly recommend this book.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, surface-level description of basic symptoms of typical Parkinson’s disease.

[Ellen Howard]

I read the first edition. 2008

[Barbara Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is "Coping with Parkinson's Disease." Since my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's about eight years ago, I was happy to win the book from LibraryThing. The cover blurb by Dr. Hubert H. Fernandez of the Cleveland Clinic says, "A must-read for all whose lives are touched by this illness." I can agree with that.

This is a kind of basic guidebook for patients and caregivers that comes in handy because you never remember everything your neurologist tells you, and of course the doctor's time is limited. There is a glossary in back as well for terms you might be unfamiliar with. Since I was a medical transcriptionist, you would think I'd have no use for it, but I do. I've forgotten some things since I retired, but also there are always new terms coming up and new findings about this disease.

Dr. Friedman updated the text for this second edition of the book so it is nearly up to date in its valuable information. The chapters focus on symptoms such as fatigue, apathy, anxiety, sleep, driving, and many other problems we face. Not only does he describe these problems but also explains what medications or other treatments have been tried, whether they worked, and what the patient and caregiver can do for themselves. I found this very helpful.

One topic I was thankful to read about was what to do if you need to go to the hospital. He reminds us that most doctors and nurses at hospitals aren't too well versed in how to care for Parkinson's patients so the caregiver needs to be firm about medication schedules and other needs to prevent big problems, even going so far as to have them call your neurologist to confirm what you're telling them. Patients have been treated for stroke simply because the E.R. staff didn't recognize Parkinson's symptoms for what they really are. This is important.

I will keep this book handy as years go by. We frequently have questions that we can easily answer with Dr. Friedman's book rather than wait for the next appointment with the neurologist.

Highly recommended for PD patients and caregivers
Source: LibraryThing win

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through giveaways. On my fifth year of caring for my 78 year old aunt who has Parkinson's and dementia. Though there was not the depth in this book I had hoped for, it did validate our daily life. From exacerbated personal traits to compulsive behavior, sleep disorders, and medication issues, everything was touched on. Unfortunately there are still no real answers when it comes to the dementia associated with Parkinson's which makes this disease as well as Alzheimer's sad life conclusions for those we love. It does help knowing that what you're dealing with daily is the norm and always remembering it's the disease and not a choice that directs the patient's behavior.

[MaryAnn Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information for people with Parkinson's and their families and caregivers

I think this book is indispensable for PD sufferers and caregivers. Especially good for newly diagnosed people, it is an encyclopedia of useful knowledge. The articles at the end are especially helpful. Do not be without the one on why you should never go to the ER and what you need to know if you are hospitalized or need surgery. There is also an extensive glossary of terms that is an education in itself. This is good, solid information from a neurologist who specializes in PD and knows his stuff. I initially rented it on Kindle but found I had to buy a hard copy for reference. Can't do without this one. My wife has had PD for about 18 years and I am her caregiver.

[Taylor Troncin · Rating 4 out of 5]

[This review also appeared on my librarything account]
I received a free copy of this book from librarything in exchange for my honest feedback.

I chose to enter the giveaway of this book because I do not know much about Parkinson's Disease. Hopefully I will never have to get up close and personal with it - but I wanted to have at least some basic knowledge/insights into this peculiar state of being...

This book scared me - to be honest. There are a lot of things that I did not even begin to consider ... Lots of things to think about (for better or worse...).

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great way to understanding the non-physical aspects of Parkinson's. Lots of things to think about and to gain a better understanding of how to effectively deal with a person with PD (aka. not nagging). This will be a continuing read for me.

[Lonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad, but I don't have any personal experience with Parkinsons. It was interesting.