Parkinson's Disease and the Family: A New Guide

by Nutan Sharma M.D., Elaine Richman Ph.D.

Overview

Too often, with Parkinson's disease, a loved one serves as medical interpreter, patient advocate, and caregiver. Sharma and Richman draw on the latest research and clinical practice techniques to offer valuable suggestions for managing patient care and, perhaps more important, for healing the family unit.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674267305
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	05/23/2005
Series:	The Harvard University Press Family Health Guides
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	222
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Nutan Sharma, M.D., is an Assistant in Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Associate Neurologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Instructor, Harvard Medical School.

Elaine Richman, Ph.D., is President ofRichman Associates, LLC, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1 1 What Is Parkinsofns Disease? 4 2 The Diagnosis 19 3 Risk Factors 50 4 Treatment 58 5 Treatment Challenges and Setbacks 89 6 Finding the Help You Need 97 7 Preserving Intimacy 106 8 Depression 113 9 Dementia 130 10 Alternative Therapies 139 11 Clinical Trials 152 12 Communicating with Your Treatment Team 162 13 When Long-Term Arrangements Are Required 170 14 The Wedding 181 Appendix: Resources 189 Notes 199 Glossary 201 References 211 Index 217

Editorial Reviews

According to the National Parkinson Foundation, 1.5 million Americans currently suffer from Parkinson's disease (PD), and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. With coauthor Richman, neurologist Sharma (Massachusetts General Hosp.) provides a book that will answer the questions of patients, caregivers, and concerned family members. Topics include diagnosis, risk factors, alternative therapies, depression, dementia, and clinical trials. Especially notable is the discussion of PD's effects on family dynamics, including long-term care and sexual function. The appendix offers such resources as professional societies, government agencies, and PD organizations. The authors' qualifications, their clear and accessible vocabulary, and the book's breadth and depth make this a highly recommended choice for consumer health collections in hospitals and academic and public libraries. (Index not seen.)-Cleo Pappas, La Grange Memorial Hosp. Lib., IL Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal