The New Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book: Partnering with Your Doctor To Get the Most from Your Medications - Hardcover

Ahlskog PhD MD, J. Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0190231866 ISBN 13: 9780190231866

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2015

Synopsis

The fundamental guide to the most effective treatments for Parkinson's Disease, from a Mayo Clinic doctor with thirty years of clinical and research experience.

In this second edition follow-up to the extremely successful first edition, Dr. Ahlskog draws on thirty years of clinical experience to present the definitive guide to dealing with all aspects of Parkinson's Disease, from treatment options and side effects to the impact of the disease on caregivers and family. Dr. Ahlskog's goal is to educate patients so that they can better team up with their doctors to do battle with the disease, streamlining the decision-making process and enhancing their treatment. To do this, Dr. Ahlskog offers a gold mine of information, distilled from his years of experience treating people with Parkinson's at the Mayo Clinic. In addition to providing a comprehensive account of Parkinson's medications, this book also examines additional aspects of treatment, such as the role of nutrition, exercise, and physical therapy.
Although many commendable texts have been written on the subject of Parkinson's Disease, their discussions of treatment have not been in depth. Dr. Ahlskog sifts through aspects of the disease in order to give the reader a comprehensive sense of Parkinson's and the best available treatment options. With a broader understanding of the disease and the available options, patients are able to make more informed choices, and doctors are able to provide more tailored care. This book delivers hopeful, helpful, and extensive information to all parties concerned: patients, caregivers, and doctors.

The ultimate guide to symptoms and treatment, this thoroughly updated second edition is the first place patients should turn for reliable, easy-to-grasp information on Parkinson's Disease.

About this title

About the Author

J. Eric Ahlskog, PhD, MD, is Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Medical School, and Chair of the Mayo Section of Movement Disorders, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Widely considered to be a leading authority on this disorder, he has more than 30 years of experience treating people with Parkinson's Disease, both in the clinic as a full-time, patient-seeing neurologist, and as a clinical-investigator responsible for PD treatment protocols.

Review

"Eric Ahlskog of the Mayo Clinic is one of the country's leading experts in Parkinson's disease. His The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is comprehensive and informative and will be a welcome addition to the library of patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers." --Nathan Slewett, Chaiman Emeritus, National Parkinson Foundation

"Dr. Ahlskog writes with true authority based on his strong scientific background, vast clinical experience, and ability to synthesize laboratory science and clinical acumen in a manner digestible and useful for the non-physician. 'Be a partner, not a patient' is an admonition that is particularly constructive in optimizing the interactions between patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. In order to be an effective partner, it is essential that patients and their caregivers develop a basic, core understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, course, and likely complications of the disease. A careful reading of The Parkinson's Disease Treatment Book is a substantial first step for patients in assuming full partnership."--G. Frederick Wooten, M.D., Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, American Parkinson Disease Association

"Dr. Ahlskog, one of the top specialists in Parkinson's disease, has put down in this wonderful book up-to-date information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease as well as his extensive experience and wisdom gained by caring for, and especially caring about, people with Parkinson's disease for over two decades. It is filled with practical information and written in a style that is sophisticated enough to be useful but at the same time easily understandable by people with Parkinson's disease, their friends, and their families. As information is one of the most potent therapies for people dealing with Parkinson's disease, this book represents a major treatment breakthrough."--Stephen G. Reich, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine

"Dr. Ahlskog has provided a remarkably readable and immensely useful book on the treatment of Parkinson's disease, addressed to patients and their caregivers. He lays out a wise approach to this complex and multifaceted disease which comes from many years of his own personal experience. What shines through is his very special sensitivity to his patients and a lucid understanding of their needs. All aspects of the disease are covered.... Special attention is paid to the many non-motor problems that are all too often neglected in the treatment of patients such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, sexuality issues, and problems with bladder, bowel, and blood pressure regulation. Most importantly, many of the myths and ill-conceived notions surrounding the treatment of Parkinson's disease are met head on and convincingly dispelled."--Daniel Tarsy, M.D., Chief, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

"Dr. Ahlskog has again produced a uniquely informative, focused, and readable treatise on Parkinson's disease. Unlike many other guides for Parkinson's patients, this one doesn't attempt to present the entire confusing universe of disparate management options, but rather presents the well-informed opinions of a single seasoned and highly respected practitioner. Virtually every rational question that a patient might pose is addressed here using scientifically correct, but eminently understandable language. Parkinson's disease patients, their care-givers, and their physicians will all benefit from this treasure trove of clinical wisdom." -Robert Rodnitzky, MD, Director of the Division of Movement Disorders, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

"Dr. Eric Ahlskog from the Mayo Clinic is the leading authority on Parkinson's disease. With over thirty years of experience treating Parkinson's disease patients, Dr. Ahlskog shares his expertise on treating all of the possible symptoms that a patient may encounter in the different stages of PD. His advice is direct and understandable. Patients and caregivers will turn to this book again and again over the years to answer their questions and use the information to better partner with their healthcare providers in achieving the best possible outcome. I will recommend this book to all of my patients as the main source for learning about the disease and the available treatment options." -Kevin J. Klos, MD, Movement Disorder Clinic of Oklahoma

"Hundreds of questions will arise during the course of Parkinson's disease regarding diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options. Dr. Ahlskog draws on his decades of neurological practice to lay out information that answers just about all of these questions. Information is power, and the well-informed patient is in the best position to navigate this condition. The book can be read cover to cover, or the reader can turn to the topic of interest and find explanations delivered in a conversational style. Many of my patients use the first edition as a guide, and are eagerly awaiting this updated version." -Padraig O'Suilleabhain, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

"Dr. Ahlskog has written a go-to text: straight forward, down-to-earth, and eminently readable. With his PhD focused on pharmacology, and his many years of research and clinical experience as a neurologist and a director of the Mayo Clinic's PD program, there is no one I trust more than Eric. Unlike others in the field, he has never compromised himself to the fashion of the day. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to professionals, patients, and their families." -Bradley C. Hiner, MD, Professor of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin and Neurologic Director, Deep Brain Stimulation Program

"This is a valuable resource for anyone affected by Parkinson's disease. Written by an expert clinician and researcher who has been working with Parkinson's disease for over 30 years, this is a reliable and easy to use guide that enables patients and their families to make informed decisions necessary for dealing with this complex disease." --Doody's

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0190231866
• ISBN 13: 9780190231866
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 544