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The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A groundbreaking prescriptive guide to preventing and fighting Parkinson’s disease
“The Parkinson’s Plan meets this moment with science, clarity, and a path forward.” (Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent, CNN)
In The Parkinson’s Plan, two doctors on the cutting edge of Parkinson’s research detail the steps necessary to prevent, slow, and treat this debilitating condition. They show readers how to prevent the disease through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the lifestyles we live. They introduce the “Parkinson’s 25,” the most detailed checklist ever created to allow anyone to lower their risk of Parkinson’s. They interview the world’s top scientists, clinicians, and thought leaders in the Parkinson’s field to offer a detailed plan for treatment that includes cutting-edge methods and recent technological and medical advances.
The Parkinson’s Plan takes the next step in winning the battle against Parkinson’s, presenting a clear road map with the strategies and tactics necessary to create a world where the disease is increasingly rare and the treatments are more successful.
A groundbreaking prescriptive guide to preventing and fighting Parkinson’s disease
“The Parkinson’s Plan meets this moment with science, clarity, and a path forward.” (Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent, CNN)
In The Parkinson’s Plan, two doctors on the cutting edge of Parkinson’s research detail the steps necessary to prevent, slow, and treat this debilitating condition. They show readers how to prevent the disease through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the lifestyles we live. They introduce the “Parkinson’s 25,” the most detailed checklist ever created to allow anyone to lower their risk of Parkinson’s. They interview the world’s top scientists, clinicians, and thought leaders in the Parkinson’s field to offer a detailed plan for treatment that includes cutting-edge methods and recent technological and medical advances.
The Parkinson’s Plan takes the next step in winning the battle against Parkinson’s, presenting a clear road map with the strategies and tactics necessary to create a world where the disease is increasingly rare and the treatments are more successful.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 11, 2026
Is there a cure for Parkinson’s Disease?
According to Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun, perhaps we’ve been asking the wrong question. Instead of focusing solely on a cure, they challenge readers to consider something even more powerful: prevention.
This book struck a deeply personal chord for me. My grandfather on my mother’s side died from complications of Parkinson’s—his final years marked by tremors, stiffness, difficulty walking, and profound weight loss. At that time, so little was understood beyond the visible symptoms. Years later, my mother would also be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, alongside Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Understandably, my siblings and I have long lived with the question of what our family history might mean for us. My brother even participates in research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation to better understand his own risk. So, when I noticed a slight tremor in my right hand, my thoughts immediately went to the same place: could I be next?
That’s what led me to this book—and what I found inside was both eye-opening and, in many ways, hopeful.
Dr. Dorsey and Dr. Okun, both neurologists and researchers, present a compelling argument that Parkinson’s is not simply inevitable, but potentially preventable. They point to environmental factors—particularly pollution and chemical exposure—as major contributors. While they acknowledge rare genetic causes, their focus is clear: if we address these environmental risks, we may dramatically reduce, or even eliminate, the disease.
Their argument made me reflect on my own family. My grandfather worked as a mechanic for an aerospace company, and my mother was an oil painter—both professions that may have involved exposure to harmful chemicals before their risks were widely understood. It’s difficult not to wonder about the connections.
The book is thoughtfully organized into four parts—prevent, learn, amplify, and navigate—each building on the idea that awareness and action can reshape the future of this disease.
One of the most practical and empowering sections is the “Parkinson’s 25,” a list of 25 actionable steps to reduce risk or slow progression. These aren’t overwhelming lifestyle overhauls, but simple, doable changes, like: washing produce, filtering water, improving air quality, avoiding pesticide exposure, and prioritizing sleep.
What I appreciated most is that the authors don’t just present research—they offer agency. For those of us with a family history, that sense of “something I can do” is invaluable.
The book is accessible, well-researched, and ultimately hopeful without being dismissive of the disease’s very real impact. My only reason for rounding down is that some of the broader claims, particularly around complete prevention or eradication, feel a bit ambitious given the current state of research, and lack of support from our current government administration. Still, the message is powerful and worth considering.
This is a meaningful and thought-provoking read—especially for anyone personally touched by Parkinson’s—offering both insight and a sense of direction in a space that can often feel uncertain.
According to Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun, perhaps we’ve been asking the wrong question. Instead of focusing solely on a cure, they challenge readers to consider something even more powerful: prevention.
This book struck a deeply personal chord for me. My grandfather on my mother’s side died from complications of Parkinson’s—his final years marked by tremors, stiffness, difficulty walking, and profound weight loss. At that time, so little was understood beyond the visible symptoms. Years later, my mother would also be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, alongside Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Understandably, my siblings and I have long lived with the question of what our family history might mean for us. My brother even participates in research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation to better understand his own risk. So, when I noticed a slight tremor in my right hand, my thoughts immediately went to the same place: could I be next?
That’s what led me to this book—and what I found inside was both eye-opening and, in many ways, hopeful.
Dr. Dorsey and Dr. Okun, both neurologists and researchers, present a compelling argument that Parkinson’s is not simply inevitable, but potentially preventable. They point to environmental factors—particularly pollution and chemical exposure—as major contributors. While they acknowledge rare genetic causes, their focus is clear: if we address these environmental risks, we may dramatically reduce, or even eliminate, the disease.
Their argument made me reflect on my own family. My grandfather worked as a mechanic for an aerospace company, and my mother was an oil painter—both professions that may have involved exposure to harmful chemicals before their risks were widely understood. It’s difficult not to wonder about the connections.
The book is thoughtfully organized into four parts—prevent, learn, amplify, and navigate—each building on the idea that awareness and action can reshape the future of this disease.
One of the most practical and empowering sections is the “Parkinson’s 25,” a list of 25 actionable steps to reduce risk or slow progression. These aren’t overwhelming lifestyle overhauls, but simple, doable changes, like: washing produce, filtering water, improving air quality, avoiding pesticide exposure, and prioritizing sleep.
What I appreciated most is that the authors don’t just present research—they offer agency. For those of us with a family history, that sense of “something I can do” is invaluable.
The book is accessible, well-researched, and ultimately hopeful without being dismissive of the disease’s very real impact. My only reason for rounding down is that some of the broader claims, particularly around complete prevention or eradication, feel a bit ambitious given the current state of research, and lack of support from our current government administration. Still, the message is powerful and worth considering.
This is a meaningful and thought-provoking read—especially for anyone personally touched by Parkinson’s—offering both insight and a sense of direction in a space that can often feel uncertain.
January 24, 2026
Wow! So glad this was written. It really shines a light on how Parkinson's is a man-made disease. Very enlightening and enraging (because of how many chemicals we've just allowed to become mainstream that are terrible for peoples health, especially TCE and PCE!) Good job!
May 7, 2026
The Parkinson's Plan by Dr. Ray Dorsey
.
Parkinson's or not this is definitely worth the read, knowledge is power. What is society doing to us? What
Is really causing neurodegenerative diseases? And how can you safeguard you and your family? Read it to find out!
.
Parkinson's or not this is definitely worth the read, knowledge is power. What is society doing to us? What
Is really causing neurodegenerative diseases? And how can you safeguard you and your family? Read it to find out!
September 11, 2025
Some heart wrenching moments in this for me, having had my dear father pass away from Parkinson’s (mainly and other nuerologic diseases). But it is a very informative read and encouraging in many ways. It is less mysterious than it once was. Eye opening, worthy read. Chemical exposure is the common denominator. The big ones, being a farmer, golfer, veteran, living/working close to a dry cleaner, and just generally being from a rural environment.
June 28, 2026
The authors have a lot to say about Parkinson -- all aspects of Parkinsons -- and this book is a collection of it all. That is the book's main downside: it doesn't have a really specific audience. Anyone is bound to find about half this book fascinating and the other half irrelevant. The other thing is that the authors are clearly trying to sway policy with this book, but for the lay reader, it can be summarized as "everything sucks and nothing ever changes." Like, I'm glad there's a good care model for Parkinsons at the University of Florida, but what about my relatives in, say, Boston? And oh by the way I live 200ft from a dry cleaners. Should I freak out? Get a $200 TCE test done in my basement? This book leaves you feeling unsettled with more questions than you had before.
July 14, 2026
XXXXX
A MANIFESTO FOR PREVENTING PARKINSON'S DISEASE
XXXXX
"Brain Diseases are now the world's leading source of disability. Parkinson's is among the fastest growing. This is the challenge of our time, and time is not on our side."
The above (in italics) comes from the powerfully hopeful book by Ray Dorsey, M.D., MBA & Michael Okun, M.D. Dorsey is a neurologist who currently is Director of the Center for the Brain and the Environment at the Atria Health and Research Institute (in New York City). Okun is a neurologist and neuroscientist who currently is the co-founder and Director of the Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health network.
Parkinson's disease (PD), is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor and non-motor systems. The motor symptoms, collectively called parkinsonism, include tremors, slowness in initiating movement , rigidity, and difficulty maintaining balance. Non-motor symptoms such as autonomic nervous system failure, sleep abnormalities, decreased ability to smell, and behavioral changes such as cognitive impairment, psychosis, and anxiety, may appear at any stage of the disease. Symptoms typically develop gradually, and non-motor issues become more prevalent as the disease progresses.
Today, we are in the midst of a Parkinson's pandemic and it is growing fast. Parkinson's is now the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease.
This book, in a nutshell, provides an outline to help possibly prevent, treat, and end this debilitating condition.. The emphasis, though, is on prevention.
This book is easy to read, quite accessible, and well laid out.
The authors interview the world's top scientists, and clinicians in the Parkinson's field.
Finally, this book has a plethora of pictures, charts, graphs, etc. that add a whole new dimension to it.
In conclusion, this book is a game-changing resource for anyone who cares about brain health and real prevention!
XXXXX
(2025; note to readers [vi]; glossary [vii to ix]; abbreviations [x]; foreword [xi to xiv]; introduction; 4 parts or 9 chapters; conclusion; main narrative 235 pages; the Parkinson's 25 [25 actions to lower the risk of Parkinson's]; resources; disclosures; expert's interviewed; acknowledgments; references; index; about the authors)
XXXXX
A MANIFESTO FOR PREVENTING PARKINSON'S DISEASE
XXXXX
"Brain Diseases are now the world's leading source of disability. Parkinson's is among the fastest growing. This is the challenge of our time, and time is not on our side."
The above (in italics) comes from the powerfully hopeful book by Ray Dorsey, M.D., MBA & Michael Okun, M.D. Dorsey is a neurologist who currently is Director of the Center for the Brain and the Environment at the Atria Health and Research Institute (in New York City). Okun is a neurologist and neuroscientist who currently is the co-founder and Director of the Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health network.
Parkinson's disease (PD), is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor and non-motor systems. The motor symptoms, collectively called parkinsonism, include tremors, slowness in initiating movement , rigidity, and difficulty maintaining balance. Non-motor symptoms such as autonomic nervous system failure, sleep abnormalities, decreased ability to smell, and behavioral changes such as cognitive impairment, psychosis, and anxiety, may appear at any stage of the disease. Symptoms typically develop gradually, and non-motor issues become more prevalent as the disease progresses.
Today, we are in the midst of a Parkinson's pandemic and it is growing fast. Parkinson's is now the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease.
This book, in a nutshell, provides an outline to help possibly prevent, treat, and end this debilitating condition.. The emphasis, though, is on prevention.
This book is easy to read, quite accessible, and well laid out.
The authors interview the world's top scientists, and clinicians in the Parkinson's field.
Finally, this book has a plethora of pictures, charts, graphs, etc. that add a whole new dimension to it.
In conclusion, this book is a game-changing resource for anyone who cares about brain health and real prevention!
XXXXX
(2025; note to readers [vi]; glossary [vii to ix]; abbreviations [x]; foreword [xi to xiv]; introduction; 4 parts or 9 chapters; conclusion; main narrative 235 pages; the Parkinson's 25 [25 actions to lower the risk of Parkinson's]; resources; disclosures; expert's interviewed; acknowledgments; references; index; about the authors)
XXXXX
March 4, 2026
It's not genetic, it's environmental! Many examples and strong evidence linking environmental exposures to increased development of Parkinson's. We are all at risk from air, water, and soil pollution and should take what precautions we can (see "the Parkinson's 25" actions recommended in the book). Pesticides, dry cleaning chemicals, degreasers, and manufacturing waste are some of the main culprits. Veterans, farmers, well-water users, and those who have been exposed to chemicals, especially at a young age are some of the most at risk. The U.S. government still allows the widely-used herbicide Paraquat on our crops, although it greatly increases risk of developing Parkinson's. This book covers what you can do to reduce your own risk, what the government should be doing, what advancements in treatments have helped, and what areas of research are hopeful for the future.
Attention golfers and those who live near golf courses who are shown to be at an increased risk: You need to know to what you are being exposed at your clubs! Consider the organic, chemical-free, pesticide-free model of The Vineyard Golf Club on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and bring it to your courses.
Attention golfers and those who live near golf courses who are shown to be at an increased risk: You need to know to what you are being exposed at your clubs! Consider the organic, chemical-free, pesticide-free model of The Vineyard Golf Club on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and bring it to your courses.
June 27, 2026
This book could have been very dry reading, but the authors avoided that and have, in my opinion, presented their ideas very well in a clear and readable manner. I like that the authors provided numbered reference lists for each chapter, and provided a glossary, some potentially very useful resources, as well as their plan itself, and their Parkinson's 25 - taken together I think these are very helpful. This is a book that could potentially have a significant positive impact if it is read by enough people. My 4, rather than 5, star rating is because of the US focus of the book. In a way that focus is fair enough, and perhaps even important, given that the US has special challenges due to its inefficient rip-off insurance-based healthcare system and its historical and ongoing failures to protect its public from pollution and contamination by chemicals of various kinds, but it does make a fair bit of the discussion less immediately relevant and interesting for readers from outside the USA.
May 22, 2026
My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. Despite following prescribed treatments for over two years, her condition continued to progress the tremors became more noticeable, stiffness increased, and even simple daily activities became more difficult.
Last year, we decided to try a herbal program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Although we were initially hesitant, within a few months we began to notice encouraging improvements. Her movements became steadier, her energy gradually improved, and she was able to handle daily tasks with greater ease and confidence.Seeing her regain strength and a better quality of life has meant everything to our family.If you or someone you love is facing Parkinson’s disease, you may consider exploring their approach:Website: www.naturepathherbalclinic.com
Email: info@naturepathherbalclinic.com
Last year, we decided to try a herbal program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Although we were initially hesitant, within a few months we began to notice encouraging improvements. Her movements became steadier, her energy gradually improved, and she was able to handle daily tasks with greater ease and confidence.Seeing her regain strength and a better quality of life has meant everything to our family.If you or someone you love is facing Parkinson’s disease, you may consider exploring their approach:Website: www.naturepathherbalclinic.com
Email: info@naturepathherbalclinic.com
December 31, 2025
The authors presented the need to research the causes of Parkinson’s Disease and to use many new research methods to control this disease whose frequency is spreading due to chemicals being inhaled or eaten.
With stories of people who have been stricken with Parkinson’s , the plan put forth by Drs. Dorsey & Olin, both neurologists, is easily understood and provides resources for those living with PD and for their caregivers.
I see the need for stopping the use of the chemicals(TCE, PCE and paraquat) and more money for research to support Parkinson’s experts as this disease increases to occur in young people. Governmental action to ban these chemicals in dry cleaning, metal parts cleaning, and farming is imperative!
With stories of people who have been stricken with Parkinson’s , the plan put forth by Drs. Dorsey & Olin, both neurologists, is easily understood and provides resources for those living with PD and for their caregivers.
I see the need for stopping the use of the chemicals(TCE, PCE and paraquat) and more money for research to support Parkinson’s experts as this disease increases to occur in young people. Governmental action to ban these chemicals in dry cleaning, metal parts cleaning, and farming is imperative!
March 31, 2026
My dad has had Parkinson’s for about 14 years now. I lightly try to keep up with research, findings, and progress, and this book was still full of facts I had never heard of, with ideas that I wasn’t aware of. It brings a good balance of past problems like awareness, understanding, and progress with an ideal end state for how we might consider Parkinson’s as a society.
I would recommend the book for anyone impacted by the disease or looking to learn more about the multitude of challenges associated with it both as a patient, a caregiver, an engaged citizen, a researcher, or even legislator.
I would recommend the book for anyone impacted by the disease or looking to learn more about the multitude of challenges associated with it both as a patient, a caregiver, an engaged citizen, a researcher, or even legislator.
October 3, 2026
Honestly, I’m so grateful we came across Kiabath Wellness. My husband had tried different medications, but unfortunately, we weren’t seeing the improvement we hoped for. It was difficult watching him go through that. We decided to order the PD5 herbal formula from Kiabath Wellness. Since he started using the PD5 herbal formula from Kiabath Wellness, his symptoms have totally declined within 3 weeks of using the PD5 product. I’m so happy to see the changes. I’m sharing our experience because I know there are other people going through similar struggles and looking for something that may work for them. Visit www.kiabathwellness.com
December 1, 2025
I have a personal interest on the subject, as some of my family members showed as they aged some symptoms of Parkinson's. The good news, at least for me, is that I've learned a lot about what it is, what it's not, how it could develop and also had some wrong assumptions answered by this book. I've also learned regarding how the world should take care of Parkinson's patients, some great propositions for governments to ensure decline on the disease and prepare caretakers and other interested professionals into a great league of people that could take care of those patients. I liked it!
November 16, 2025
I saw the authors on C-SPAN Book TV and they seemed very knowledgeable, so I read their book. I don't have Parkinson's disease, nor do I know anyone who has it, but I have a different auto-immune disease and I was hoping to glean some insight into it.
The authors were as knowledgeable as they appeared on TV, yet the book is easy to read. Anyone with contact into the Parkinson's world, either as patient or caregiver, would gain a lot from reading this.
The authors were as knowledgeable as they appeared on TV, yet the book is easy to read. Anyone with contact into the Parkinson's world, either as patient or caregiver, would gain a lot from reading this.
February 7, 2026
Really well written book. The science is broken down in a really digestible way and every point the authors make are illustrated with human stories. It’s heartbreaking and terrifying to know how prevalent these chemicals and toxins are, and it’s awful to see the lack of action taken to increase safety for people exposed to it. Since reading the book I’ve wanted to tell everyone I can about it.
July 1, 2026
Very informative deep dive into environmental factors that contribute to current and future Parkinson’s cases. This book gave me some actionable steps to take to reduce my exposure to factors that increase likelihood of developing Parkinson’s down the line. It also opened my eyes to effective interdisciplinary healthcare interventions! Overall, great read
November 30, 2025
This easy to read book promotes preventive steps to take as the authors state that Parkinson's disease is mostly attributed to environmental causes, not genetic causes. I recommend reading the book to increase awareness about the authors' proposal to prevent and treat the disease.
March 26, 2026
An interesting current book about possible and probable causes of Parkinson's disease and how we can try to protect ourselves from getting it. The book also suggests helpful plans in dealing with the disease for the patient and the caregiver.
May 4, 2026
Read after reading review in Capitol Lakes newsletter. Fascinating! They report PD is the new 'pandemic,' noting that it's likely caused by pesticides/chemicals. They list 25 steps which you can take to prevent or lessen the effects of PD. I wrote them down and put in my Book Notes folder.
October 4, 2026
This book is worth the read. I was diagnosed with PD in 2024. The book covers the latest research on slowing and treating PD.
It is a treasure trove of information on where PD starts and what you can do to live a better life.
It is a treasure trove of information on where PD starts and what you can do to live a better life.
October 24, 2025
Good book for those who want to take a deep dive into Parkinson’s disease.
December 23, 2025
Prevention and treatment is so feasible, if only we prioritize humanity.
January 9, 2026
Sobering yet hopeful plan of how to attack Parkinson’s in America.
February 2, 2026
4 1\2 stars
February 26, 2026
The most striking thing about this book is how quick surveillance capitalism started presenting me ads suggesting I had been diagnosed with Parkinsons even though I only have mild essential tremors.
March 31, 2026
Very well written and gives a great call to action!
May 17, 2026
Excellent book about Parkinson's Disease: how to prevent it, how to slow down progression, causes and resources. A great guide for people who may be Parkinson's or their family.
August 14, 2026
Very interesting book! Really good to read if you have a family member with Parkinson's and also to remind us of ways to prevent the disease.
September 17, 2026
Informative book about Parkinson's. Makes me wonder about my family.
April 18, 2026
This is a fantastic book to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, and provides a great action plan near the end with ~20 steps on how we can actually go about doing something to address it.
Introduced me to Superfund sites (make sure you don’t buy a house near one), importance of not living near or shopping frequently at groceries stores that are adjacent to dry cleaners - these chemicals are brutal to our bodies and often linked to future development of Parkinson’s in folks who are exposed for increased periods of time.
I also learned about radon gas exposure and increased risk for lung cancer.
Too many people are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and often way too young recently. We need to do something about this and this book helps shed some light on small steps we can take now to positively impact the future of both our lives and our kids’.
Biggest takeaways I can recall:
Primary contamination through nasal passages (think pesticides sprayed on farm fields and golf courses + leakages of chemicals into water supply [research shows ingestion and possible link of GI tract to brain as another culprit].
*Keep exercising to help mitigate intensity of side effects if you do ever develop parkinson’s
*Use Brita or approved water filter
*Wash produce for at least 20-30 full seconds before ingesting
*Do not dry clean clothes, if you have to don’t use the dry chemicals (PCE/TCE) - make sure to ask if they use these [aka “Percs”]
Introduced me to Superfund sites (make sure you don’t buy a house near one), importance of not living near or shopping frequently at groceries stores that are adjacent to dry cleaners - these chemicals are brutal to our bodies and often linked to future development of Parkinson’s in folks who are exposed for increased periods of time.
I also learned about radon gas exposure and increased risk for lung cancer.
Too many people are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and often way too young recently. We need to do something about this and this book helps shed some light on small steps we can take now to positively impact the future of both our lives and our kids’.
Biggest takeaways I can recall:
Primary contamination through nasal passages (think pesticides sprayed on farm fields and golf courses + leakages of chemicals into water supply [research shows ingestion and possible link of GI tract to brain as another culprit].
*Keep exercising to help mitigate intensity of side effects if you do ever develop parkinson’s
*Use Brita or approved water filter
*Wash produce for at least 20-30 full seconds before ingesting
*Do not dry clean clothes, if you have to don’t use the dry chemicals (PCE/TCE) - make sure to ask if they use these [aka “Percs”]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews