What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM): Parkinson's Disease A Holistic Program for Optimal Wellness

by Marjama-Lyons, Jill; Shomon, Mary J.

• ISBN13: 9780446678902
• ISBN10: 0446678902
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-01
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Summary

There are over one million people in the U.S. living with Parkinson's disease, a debilitating neurological disorder. Patients can now choose from a variety of increasingly effective treatments, including new drugs, revolutionary surgical techniques, and cutting-edge alternative treatments such as intravenous glutathione therapy. The book covers not only the pros and cons of prescription drug and surgical treatments for Parkinson's, but discusses the latest alternative therapies, including herbal treatments, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, diet, exercise, mind-body approaches like Tai Chi, and energy work. With special sections focusing on how patients can deal with persistent problems such as fatigue, depression, and balance problems, and unique chapters that specifically address the interests of the growing number of both caregivers and young-onset Parkinson's patients, this book is a must for anyone looking to alleviate the disabilities caused by this devastating illness.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Foreword	xv
Introduction	xix
PART I. SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND DIAGNOSIS	1	(84)
What Is Parkinson's Disease?	3	(15)
Are You at Risk for Parkinson's Disease?	18	(16)
Symptoms and Signs of Parkinson's Disease	34	(25)
Getting a Diagnosis	59	(26)
PART II. CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS	85	(68)
Drug Treatments for Parkinson's Disease	87	(30)
Surgical Treatments for Parkinson's Disease	117	(36)
PART III. ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES	153	(80)
Complementary and Mind-Body Approaches	155	(41)
Dietary, Nutritional, Vitamin, Enzyme, and Hormone Therapies	196	(37)
PART IV. LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE	233	(58)
Additional Help for Persistent Symptoms	235	(25)
Special Issues for Patients and Caregivers	260	(31)
PART V. PARKINSON'S INTO THE FUTURE	291	(37)
Future Directions	293	(35)
Epilogue: The Power of the Mind and Spirit on Illness	328	(15)
Appendix A: Parkinson's Disease Resources	343	(46)
Appendix B: References	389	(14)
Index	403