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

by Michael Okun MD, Irene A. Malaty MD, Wissam Deeb MD

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780778806721
Publisher:	Rose, Robert Incorporated
Publication date:	04/03/2020
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Michael Okun, M.D., is considered a world's authority on Parkinson's disease treatment and research. He is currently Executive Director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Chair of Neurology at the University of Florida and the National Medical Director for the Parkinson's Foundation. His work has been supported by grants from the Parkinson Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Parkinson Alliance, the Tourette Association of America and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease Research. He runs the international "Ask The Expert" forums on the National Parkinson Foundation website and has written several books including Parkinson's Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life which has been translated into over 20 languages.

Irene A. Malaty, M.D., is a Professor at the University of Florida where she completed a fellowship in movement disorders in 2007. She leads the Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence and is the President of the Florida Society of Neurology. She is known for quality, state-of-the-art care of Parkinson's disease, has authored many articles and travels the world lecturing on Parkinson's disease.

Wissam Deeb, M.D., is a Professor at the University of Florida where he completed a fellowship in movement disorders in 2017. He is an expert in Parkinson's disease and in non-motor physiology. He holds a grant from the American Brain Foundation to develop wearable sensors within the clothing of neurological disease patients and is an advocate of patient centered care.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

Living with Parkinson's Disease

Chapter 1 Getting the Diagnosis Right

The Core Motor Features of Parkinson's Disease 17

Beyond the Obvious: Parkinson's Disease Non-Motor Symptoms 23

Conditions That Can Look Similar to Parkinson's Disease 29

DaT Scans 31

Deciding When to Consult a Specialist 32

Sharing a Diagnosis 34

A Concluding Note 36

Chapter 2 Exercise and Rehabilitation Therapy

Physical Therapy 43

Occupational Therapy 49

Combined Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy 51

Speech Therapy 52

Alternative Approaches to Treatment 59

A Concluding Note 63

Chapter 3 To Start or not Start Medications for Parkinson's Disease

Will Medication Cure Parkinson's Disease? 70

Prescription Versus Over-the-Counter Supplements 70

Why Medication Helps 72

Understanding the Controversy over Taking Levodopa 73

Recent Evidence to Favor Earlier Medication Treatment in Parkinson's Disease 78

A Concluding Note 81

Chapter 4 Medication for Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms

Expectations for Medical Treatment 88

Dopamine and the Blood-Brain Barrier 89

Medications for Parkinson's Disease 90

Other Parkinson's Disease Agents 106

Assessing the Most Bothersome Symptoms 112

Disease Progression 113

Management Options for Motor Fluctuations and Dyskinesias 115

A Concluding Note: Participating in Clinical Trials 115

Chapter 5 Medications for Non-Motor Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Sialorrhea (Drooling) 119

Constipation 121

Urinary Issues 126

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) 130

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) 131

Sleep Disorders 135

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) 139

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) 143

A Concluding Note 145

Chapter 6 Surgical Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

The History of Parkinson's Disease Surgery 149

Multidisciplinary Screening 150

Focused Ultrasound Therapy 168

A Concluding Note on Ultrasound Therapy 170

Chapter 7 Nutrition and the Microbiome

Dysphagia 176

Constipation 177

Weight Gain and Loss 181

Malnutrition 181

Beneficial Diets for Parkinson's Disease 183

A Concluding Note on the Microbiome in Parkinson's Disease 187

Chapter 8 Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Depression 194

Anxiety 205

Apathy 209

Demoralization 211

Fatigue 211

Cognitive Changes 213

Psychosis 221

A Concluding Note 228

Appendices

Appendix A "What's New in Parkinson's Disease?" 234

Appendix B Caring for the Caregiver 236

Appendix C Pearls for A Better Life: A Complete List 240

Index 250