Parkinson's Disease and the Family: A New Guide (The Harvard University Press Family Health Guides)

By Nutan Sharma and Elaine Richman

Book Overview

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder characterized by tremor, stiffness, and slow gait. It affects 500,000 people in the United States, with approximately 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually. But its impact is much wider. Family members with little understanding of the disease often find themselves struggling to help their loved one navigate the complexities of the health care system. Patients wonder, Which treatments are best for me? Will I be able to live on my own? Should I join a drug trial? In this straightforward, compassionate guide, Nutan Sharma and Elaine Richman address these concerns and more. They provide a thorough review of the etiology, diagnosis, and current treatment of Parkinson's, with special consideration given to the effect on family dynamics and routines - including the often neglected topics of long-term care and sexual function. The authors also review the pros and cons of various alternative therapies, including nutritional supplements, massage therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Too often, with Parkinson's disease, a loved one serves as medical interpreter, patient advocate, and caregiver.In Parkinson's Disease and the Family, Nutan Sharma and Elaine 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674016793
• ISBN13: 9780674016798
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

This was a good book

A comprehensive collection of current and on-going research, treatments and case studies, this amazingly small book provides a great summary of everything you will read about Parkinson's in random web searches. The best part is that it is completely comprehensible for the lay person. I especially recommend this book for family members such as parents and siblings who may not be involved in day to day care-partnering with the Parkinson's Patient, but who may want to have an understanding of what is happening (and what is going to happen) to their family member.

Addressing the daily living challenges of Parkinson's

Parkinson's is a movement disorder which affects 500,000 people in the US and adds thousands of new cases annually, but despite its prevalence, families often have little resources to guide them in considering treatment options, drug trail potentials, family dynamics, and disruptions and adjustments to daily living. Parkinson's Disease And The Family: A New Guide addresses all manner of family concerns and is a top pick for this reason, going where competitors do not in addressing the daily living challenges of Parkinson's. Especially appropriate for the non-specialist general reader, Parkinson's Disease And The Family is ideal for community libraries.