Parkinson's Disease for Dummies - book review

I've read many of the "for Dummies" series books and have been impressed with their organization and clarity. This one is no different in that respect. Parkinson's Disease for Dummies by Michele Tagliati, MD, Gary N. Guten, MD, MA, and Jo Horne, MA, like the rest of the series is meant for people with little or no background in the title's topic but it is also informative or at least useful reading for those who have some background.

Parkinson's Disease for Dummies (which I'll abbreviate as PDD for the rest of this review) begins with the diagnosis or the concern for a diagnosis based on physical signs and symptoms which basically signal to the Person with Parkinson's (abbreviated as PWP here, in the book, and in general medical parlance) that "something's not right". It may be a slight tremor of a hand that stops as soon as the PWP moves it or difficulty standing or walking, or rigidity of an arm or leg. PDD explains that Parkinson's manifests uniquely in each individual so that self-diagnosis is risky business indeed.

From obtaining a good working diagnosis to assembling a top-notch healthcare team, to crafting a therapy routine that the PWP can live with (because he/she helped develop it!) PDD has hints and outlines for assistance. PDD pushes the concept that the PWP is a Care Partner and must be actively involved with his/her own care. He must not just sit back and let it happen to him. The book also gets into the later stages of the disease when the PWP becomes too disabled to participate actively in his own care and the other Care Partners become care givers. The various drugs and alternative therapies including brain surgery are discussed and the pros and cons explained. Exercises are even included since many of the symptoms of Parkinson's can be minimized with proper diet and exercise.

The book explains that PWP have a disease but they don't need to let the disease have them. Although Parkinson's is chronic and progressive, it doesn't need to affect the PWP's longevity or even the PWP's productivity and employability.

I take a bit of comfort in those suggestions. I can deal with my current symptoms although it certainly is a bother not knowing when I"ll be able to walk straight and when I won't. The joint stiffness and pain is no worse than arthritis, maybe a little more persistent and resistant to painkillers. And excess saliva is only a bother when I have both hands busy like at the computer or playing the piano, when I can't easily wipe my mouth.

Right now, I can't deal with the probable restrictions and decreasing quality of life in the later stages of the disease. I'm in denial that that will happen to me. But, unless my symptoms suddenly increase overnight, I'll have time to deal with that problem.

PDD is a valuable book for care partners, care givers, and anyone who just has an interest in Parkinson's. And for $20 (new, $9 used) it's a bargain.