Parkinson's Disease

by Nutan Sharma

Overview

Diseases have a history, and understanding that history helps us understand how best to treat and control disease today. Today's students are confronted with a panoply of often-frightening illnesses and afflictions - the Biography of Diseases series provides students with the information that they need to understand the origin of various maladies, how they impact contemporary society, and how doctors and researchers from around the world are fighting to devise treatments to alleviate or cure these diseases. This volume, Parkinson's Disease, covers the history and life story of the neuromuscular disease that is famous for the numerous celebrities who have suffered from the disease - Janet Reno, Michael J. Fox, Pope John Paul II. The volume covers diagnosis, treatment, complications, impact on life and family, and research into the disease. Parkinson's Disease covers all aspects of this terrible debilitating illness: BLWhat is Parkinson's Disease? - the history and epidemiology of the disease BLHow does someone get Parkinson's Disease? - the genetics and environmental factors of the disease BLTreatment of Parkinson's Disease - physical therapy, medications, surgery BLComplications of Parkinson's Disease -- motor complications, cognitive difficulties, mood difficulties BLHow Parkinson's Disease Affects the Family -- changes over time, risk of developing Parkinson's disease in family members BLClinical and Scientific Research in Parkinson's Disease -- trials of new medication, stem cell research The volume includes a glossary of important terms and a bibliography of accessible works that discuss the disease.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313342189
Publisher:	Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/30/2008
Series:	Biographies of Disease Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	429 KB

About the Author

Nutan Sharma is on the staff of Massachusetts General Hospital and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sharma was born and raised in western New York state. After completing her clinical training, she joined the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is currently an assistant neurologist, specializing in the care of individuals with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword     ix
Preface     xi
Introduction     xiii
Parkinson's Disease Defined     1
The History of Parkinson's Disease     3
The Anatomy of Parkinson's Disease     5
Possible Causes     6
Signs and Symptoms     9
The Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease     15
Neurological Exam     16
Making the Diagnosis     19
Clinical Characteristics of Parkinson's Disease     21
How Does Someone Get Parkinson's Disease?     29
Genetics as a Risk Factor     30
Environmental Risk Factors     34
Aging as a True Risk Factor     35
Lifestyle Factors That May Reduce the Risk of Developing Parkinson's Disease     36
The Treatment of Parkinson's Disease     37
Physical Therapy     38
Occupational Therapy     40
Speech Therapy     43
Medical Treatment     45
Surgical Treatment     50
The Course and Complications of Parkinson's Disease     59
Motor Complications     61
Nonmotor Complications     66
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Parkinson's Disease     83
The Use of Complementary Medicine in Parkinson's Disease     84
How Parkinson's Disease Affects the Family     91
Coping Skills     92
When In-Home Help or Skilled Nursing Care Is Required     96
Scientific and Clinical Research in Parkinson's Disease     101
The Long Road to Market     104
The History of the FDA and the Drug Approval Process     104
Studies of the Human Brain     106
Case Studies in Parkinson's Disease     107
Ben     107
Melina     108
Eduardo     109
Kamla     110
Sophia     111
Alec     112
Junior High School Dance     113
School Graduation     115
Wedding     116
Resources     119
Timeline     127
Glossary     129
Bibliography     141
Index     143

Editorial Reviews

[A] straight forward presentation of what modern science and medicine has to tell us about the history, symptoms, causes, treatments, and natural course of Parkinson's Disease. Written in plain terms for readers of all backgrounds, Parkinson's Disease includes case stories and thoughtful discussions of how cases of Parkinson's Disease affect the family as a whole. A list of useful resources, a glossary, and an index round out this educational text especially recommended for public and college libraries, medical students, and anyone who needs accurate, up-to-date information about this debilitating affliction. Highly recommended.” —Midwest Book Review/California Bookwatch

“A helpful glossary and a useful bibliography round out the practical information found in this title. Parkinson's Disease provides general and basic information that is useful to students and anyone interested in learning more about this disease.” —ARBA

From the Publisher