Living with Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers

by Michael S. Okun, Irene Malaty, Wissam Deeb

An optimistic guide from an expert author and the world authority on Parkinson's disease. Worldwide, there are more than 10 million people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the US alone, approximately one million Americans live with PD and approximately 60,000 more are diagnosed each year. Internationally renowned as both a neurologist and a leading researcher, Dr. Okun has been referred to as "the voice" of these patients and a world authority on Parkinson's disease. His positive and optimistic approach has helped countless people manage their symptoms and achieve happiness despite them. This approach, detailed in his new book, Living with Parkinson's Disease , is a critical resource for Parkinson's disease patients and their families. Presented in a friendly and easy-to-understand way, this book addresses PD-related issues and symptoms along with emerging therapies. In each chapter, Dr. Okun offers patients the necessary tools to manage their disease and to ultimately find joy and fulfilment in their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2020

Reviews

[Donna Kravo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) more than 6 years ago. The tremors started affecting my left hand at first; 3 years later, it affected my left leg, causing me to walk funny (jerking movements) every time. I was taking levodopa/carbidopa. In April 2017, I had a deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure done. DBS helps me tremendously, but I still have to take levodopa/carbidopa 3 times a day, maximum dose: 25 mg/100 mg x 2. I try amantadine, but it's no help. I was approved by my neurologist to try feasible alternatives to my current prescribed medication in the hope of improving my quality of life. And I have to say this natural treatment is a 100% game changer for anyone with PD. There has been a complete turnaround with my balance, mobility, swollen feet, speech, and tremors. This is the best that I've felt in years. Visit Limitlesshealthcenter. com. I have stopped taking levodopa completely for several months, at least 7 months now, and still feel great.”

[Pablo Mcg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nearly exhaustive guide. It covers all the medical bases in-depth. I wish that Okun and the MDs had brought in co author nutritionists and physios to go deeper into nutrition and exercise therapies.

I also wonder if this could have been divided into 3 different guides for various stages. One book for early, mid and late stages. The reason I mention this is because information relevant to mid and late stage issues may be scary and depressing for someone in an earlier stage. Late stage interventions may also confuse earlier stages who might think they need to be jumping right to doing that stuff earlier than they do.

[Patti Manners · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband was diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease a couple of years ago, he had severe fatigue, difficulty with mobility and sleeping. He was placed on Sinemet 3 times daily, which helped but only for a short while. So we decided to try alternative treatment and began on PD-5 protocol , It has made tremendous difference for my husband, he had improved walking balance, muscle strength and he is now very active. His Parkinson’s is totally under control, we got the treatment from binehealthcenter. com. This treatment is a breakthrough for PWP!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an exceptional read, providing a wealth of informative content. As someone with a family member affected by Parkinson’s, I found the insights particularly valuable. This book serves as an excellent reference tool, making it indispensable for anyone dealing with Parkinson’s, whether personally or through a loved one. I highly recommend it to anyone in need of comprehensive and accessible information on the topic

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but mainly confirmed things I already suspected. It was a little too simplistic in some of the ways it presented information, with a bunch of redundant insets and boxes to fill up space. A decent primer. It would be good to read at/near the time of diagnosis instead of 8 years on.

[Amy Colbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

A good overview that may be even more useful as a reference.

[Kim in KY]

Very helpful and informative after my mom was diagnosed.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good information and very well organized. I expect it to be a useful reference going forward.

[Amy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very dry, but good information.

[Efren Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Based on my experience working with PD patients who have DBS therapy, the authors provide just the right amount of content to satisfy the lay reader. In terms of the clinical aspects of the disease, the book is spot on. From medication side effects to alternative forms of speech therapy, the book is highly comprehensive.
On the other hand, the chapter that presents surgical options for PD needs revising, specifically, Deep Brain Stimulation. There is simply more to what the author is presenting, and it could potentially cause surgical candidates to abandon a revolutionary therapy. For example, when the author compares STN to GPi DBS. In my experience, GPI may not be easy to program and requires higher amplitudes to have an effect. Also, the authors mention that STN DBS will have fewer battery changes, which may not be the case. That will depend on the programming parameters, which are extremely variable from patient to patient. Additionally, every neurologist titrates medications differently. Depending on how and what drugs the patient is taking will influence how high the DBS setting will need to be. There are simply too many details missing to properly compare these targets and their potency. Hence, DBS has been around for decades and is constantly evolving with an astounding amount of literature that appears to cause conflicting conclusions. On the other hand, the authors did an amazing job in presenting the procedural aspects of actually getting the DBS therapy.
Interestingly enough, there was a chapter on the microbiome. The microbiome is an evolving area of research in which the bacteria in your intestines have a significant influence on the nervous and immune systems. Additionally, it's no coincidence that before motor symptoms set in for PD, constipation is typically the first sign. Therapy centering on the microbiome is currently under research. Hence, diet can have a profound effect on the disease.