Parkinson′s Disease For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Maintain a take-charge attitude and live your life to the fullest with Parkinson''s

Whether the diagnosis is yours or that of a loved one, Parkinson''s Disease for Dummies contains everything you need to know about living with this disease. This book is an easy-to-understand, straightforward, and sometimes humorous guide that offers proven techniques for coping with daily issues, finding the right doctors, and providing care as the disease progresses. This user-friendly guide helps you navigate you through the important steps toward taking charge of your condition. You aren''t alone—inside, you''ll discover proven coping skills and first-hand advice, along with practical tools that will help you navigate the treatment journey. In classic, compassionate Dummies style, Parkinson''s Disease For Dummies will answer all your questions, and guide you through the process of finding your own answers as well.

• Keep your mind sharp, stay in shape, and keep your stress under control
• Life a full and satisfying life after a Parkinson''s diagnosis
• Get the most current information on Parkinson''s medications and treatments
• Learn the best ways to support loved ones living with Parkinson''s

With updates on the latest in alternative treatments, dementia, and young onset PD, Parkinson''s Disease for Dummies is here to show you how you can keep a positive attitude and lead an active, productive life.

Foreword xvii

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 2

Icons Used in This Book 2

Beyond the Book 3

Where to Go from Here 3

Part 1: Getting To Know PD 5

Chapter 1: Parkinson’s Disease: The Big Picture 7

Defining Parkinson’s — A Movement Disorder 8

Navigating the unpredictable path 9

Accepting the chronic progressive factors 9

Recognizing symptoms that raise questions 10

Distinguishing between Parkinson’s Disease and Related Conditions 11

A real condition or syndrome, but not PD 11

Debunking some commonly held myths about PD 12

Seeking the Care You Need 13

From medical professionals 13

From loved ones 13

While your PD progresses 14

Treating Parkinson’s — Previewing Your Options 14

Starting the Course, Staying the Course 15

Dealing with the here and now 15

Exceling as a team player 16

Working, playing, and having a life 17

Making plans for your future 17

Chapter 2: Considering Possible Causes and Risk Factors 19

Considering Causes: What Is Known and What Is a Mystery 19

Digging into environmental factors 20

Examining possible genetic factors 23

Checking out other possible causes 25

Weighing Your Risk Factors 27

Considering your age and gender 28

Taking a look at ethnicity 28

Regarding other risk possibilities 28

Knowing What We Don’t Know 30

The need-to-know info 30

The attitude that busts research barriers 31

Chapter 3: Sizing Up Symptoms, Signs, and Stages 33

Familiarizing Yourself with the Lingo 34

Symptoms — What You Look For 35

Signs — What Your Doctor Looks For 36

Four primary signs 36

Secondary signs and symptoms 38

Non-motor signs and symptoms 39

Stages — Understanding the Unique Path PD Can Take 41

Early-stage PD: When life can be fairly normal 42

Moderate-stage PD: When you need to accept help 43

Late-stage PD: When planning keeps you in control 44

A Few Words for You and Your Care Partner 45

Understand the impact first 45

Embrace coping strategies second 46

Part 2: Making PD Part — But Not All — Of Your Life 47

Chapter 4: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis 49<