Editorial Review

The same sharp intelligence and self-deprecating wit that made MichaelJ. Fox a star in the Read more

Reviews (187)

Here is a book to relate to
Michael's book is a fantastic account of his life leading up to and including his struggle with dealing with Parkinson's. As a person with a Parkinsonism who was diagnosed after Michael exposed his disease, I can say he truly made it easier for others to deal with this devastating blow. His hiding of the his disease is common of so many people who are diagnosed with PD at crucial points in their lives. An extremely good book about life rocky road, and for those with PD or any illness for that matter who are trying to create a somewhat normal existance for themselves and their families.
Great book, great story, very good read.
A friend gave this book to me. It was such a good read. I had no idea Michael was so sick, and had such a difficult life. While I did not respect ways he wasted his body by alcohol, drugs, and stupid habits before he found out, at a still very young age of mid-20s, about his Parkinson's disease, his remarkable change to a new man was a very good story. The anectodes from this book will stay with me, and it has a great message for everyone.

Surprising
I've been a fan of Michael J. Fox for many years and was sad to learn of his Parkinson's disease.I expected this book to be largely about the disease and Fox's coping with it.However, I was pleasantly surprised to read an honest account of all of the ways he had messed up his life before coming to terms with himself as well as with his disease.Although I don't like to read sad stories of drinking spinning out of control, Fox's matter-of-fact tone and willingness to take full responsibility for his actions was refreshing.I felt privileged to be allowed this glimpse into his life and his psyche, and I ended up liking him better after finishing the book than when I started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Actors    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Canada    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. Parkinson's disease    10. Patients    11. Personal Memoirs    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (6)

Thanks Dr. Ahlskog for Caring Enough About Your Patients to Write this book!
Dr. Ahlskog shares his vast knowledge, expertise and caring bedside manner in this book.It is specifically written, in user friendly language, for families dealing with Partinson's. It answers any and all questions one might have concerning the disease and treatment of it.It is an absolute 'MUST HAVE' book for Parkison's Families..

My Mom is taking this book to the doctor for discussion points
This book recommends using it to help discuss with your doctor the PD medications, which is exactly what my Mom is going to do today. When I saw this book recently it was what my Mom had been wishing for to help her figure out how to help my Dad, who is developing Parkinson's hallucinations and paranoia issues after many years of battling this disease. These are known problems from both the disease, as well as the medications to treat the illness. The book gave me renewed hope and optimism for helping my Dad be more himself again. Adjustments of the various prescribed medications can make a difference in life quality by balancing medication negative side effects with their benefits. My Mom is taking my Dad to the doctor today to discuss his medications and she taking this book with her. It's nice to know she has the Mayo clinic doctor, in essence, to take with her to discuss points with the local doctor.
Excellant Info Resource for Layman
This is a "MUST HAVE" book for the Parkinson's patient. This book is written in user friendly language.Provides insightful information to help understand your condition.Excellant guidance to the receipt of maximum drug therapy benefits.Recomended by Movement Disorder Specialist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    4. Drug Guides    5. Medical    6. Neurology - General    7. Parkinson's disease    8. Popular works    9. Treatment    10. Coping with illness    11. Medical / Neurology    12. Medicine | Neurology    13. Popular medicine   

Reviews (2)

The best
This is the book I give to my newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease patients.To a man and woman, they all say that it was extremely helpful in understanding the disease.The format is easy to follow, while being informative.This is a frightening disease, and an excellent example where knowledge is power.Dr. Lieberman's book gives one that knowledge.

100 Questions & Answers About Parkinson Disease
I felt this book was very informative and would help family members understand how the Parkinson patient is feelings and also answer their questions ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Parkinson's Disease    8. Popular works    9. Coping with illness    10. Popular medicine   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    4. Exercise    5. Exercise therapy    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Parkinson's disease    10. Reference    11. Coping with illness    12. Popular medicine   

Reviews (4)

Scary and full of informations
A relation between a disease know for its unknown causes and a new "designer" drug made to bypass the actual laws, drug that actually caused the addicts to get the Parkinson's disease, then the overwhelmed reaction to the medical research community that could make a disaster by spreading the disease amongst researchers unaware of precautions to take manipulating the chemicals that caused the six drug addicts to be sick. This book is great from the begining to the end, as entertaining as the best fiction book even though it is a very factual book. I do not have a strong medical background, but I clearly understood this book and enjoyed reading it.

Compelling Reading
When I bought this book I didn't know what to expect - I thought it would be similar in style to Oliver Sacks' "Awakenings" (i.e. a series of case histories). While I enjoyed Awakenings I would have to say thatthis book is much better - it truly reads like an un-put-downable thriller.The plot has all the ingredients for a great story - whatever we mightthink of heroin addiction and the criminal backgrounds of many of thefrozen addicts, we can only feel sympathy for their terrible fate; Langstonis a perspicacious but poorly funded neurologist who must fight theprejudices of the medical establishment (and ultimately the government andPresident) in order to develop an exciting but controversial new treatmentthat will give the addicts the only hope of release from their living hell.It's great stuff, made all the better of course because its based on truth.The book is also hugely informative and gives a sobering insight into thesuffering endured by victims of Parkinsons and other neurodegenerativediseases; as well as offering hope in the form of future treatments. It isalso superbly written. What more can I say?

A must read if somebody in the family has this illness
We are passing the book around the family now. The farther has PD. It has been great for us to gain an understanding of this mysterious illness. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Designer drugs    3. Health/Fitness    4. Methylphenyltetrahydropyridine    5. Parkinson's disease    6. Physiological effect    7. Toxicology    8. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    2. General    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health Care Delivery    5. Health/Fitness    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Parkinson's disease    8. Popular works    9. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Nervous System (incl. Brain)    10. Popular medicine   

Reviews (1)

Buy this book for your daughters, sisters and mothers
Margaret Bourke-White is a true American original. This book is well-written and inspiring. Not only did Bourke-White capture life through her photographs - she lived it to the fullest. This would be a great gift for any independent woman you know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1904-1971    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Bourke-White, Margaret,    6. General    7. Parkinson's disease    8. Photographers    9. United States    10. Bourke-White, Margaret   

Reviews (3)

Understanding PD--A Self-Help Guide--A review
A well-written, nicely organized basic introduction and self-help guide written from the perspective of a physician suffering from Parkinson's Disease (PD).This paperback manual explores both the physical and mental sides of dealing with a chronic, devastating illness.It provides strategies and tips for both the sufferer and the caregiver.My only reservation is that, at times, I wished the author would have provided more detailed information on specific, recommended techniques designed to aid the patient.Highly recommended reading.

Light Informative Reading
"Understanding Parkinson's Disease" is a well-written book introducing a patient to life as a Parkinson's patient.I purchased this book to pre-screen it for my parents and found that it was a good book togive them because of it's positive discussion about the disease.If youknow a Parkinson's patient who refuses to read up about the disease(because they don't want to read about all the restrictions they will haveto face in their future) this is a good "first" book.The"Self Help Guide" has a pro-active upbeat approach to workingwith the disease.It doesn't spend a lot of time belaboring how miserablethe future will be, but focuses on how to deal with the present. SinceDr. Cram has Parkinson's Disease himself his viewpoints about the diseasehelp give credibility and enlightenment to the reader.This booksummarized all aspects of the disease while showing how to live with thesymptoms.It is a good starter book for preparing to live with Parkinson'sDisease. Purchase "Caring for the Parkinson patient" by Huttonfor a more in-depth review of Parkinson's and how to live (or care forsomeone) with the disease.

Finally...A plain speaking book about Parkinson's Disease
Dr. David Cram has written a very touching and informative book about Parkinson's Disease that I encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with PD or who knows someone who has been diagnosed with PD to check out. Dr. Cramwho was dianosed ten years ago with PD writes from personal knowledge andcovers everything from symptoms to the newest drug therapies. I alsoenjoyed the comments interspersed throughout the book from patients,physicians, nurses, counselors and therapists. This is a very encouragingbook and I recommend it highly! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases - General    2. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Parkinson's Disease    8. Popular works    9. Coping with illness    10. Health & Fitness / Diseases / General   

Reviews (5)

Most helpful!
This book has been the most helpful to me so far.I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but my symptoms have not progressed rapidly.She revealed to me many ways to help my attitude, my relationship with my wife, and how to deal with everyday living.She also has prepared me for some things which may come in the future.
Best book on the topic yet
As the wife of a 'new' Parkinson's patient (diagnosed last year) I've been going through the books on this subject like they were water.This is the first book that I've found that answered my questions and gave me a list of resources to go to.There are so many variables to this insidious disease, and trying to learn about it is hard work.This book has turned out to be an absolute gold mine for me.

The First Year-Parkinson's Disease: An Essential Guide For The Newly Diagnosed
I think this book was absolutely wonderful. It answered many questions for my husband, and our family. It was written in a kind and compassionate way, but telling the truth. I bought it and sent it to several relatives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - General    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Parkinson's Disease   

Reviews (6)

Must have
If you have PD or care for someone or know someone with it you will find this book helpful in any of those situations.I learned many things from this book.Including that some things my husband, who has early onset PD, was going through that turned out were symptoms and not just random events.I thank those that wrote this for helping me care for him and being informed.Also, they section on young onset PD really helped because i was beginning to feel he had intermediate PD when really it was signs and symptoms from his Y.O.P.D.It lifted a heavy weight knowing he wasn't that far into the disease (intermediate stage).I was able to rely many things to his nuerologist that he was experiencing based upon my reading so he can get better care.Thank you.

Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Famil
EXCELLENT resource book !!!I am back ordering a second copy for our family to share around.... gives excellent, detailed information on both the physical side of the disease and the side-effects of the medications... easy read... very comprehensive... I recommend HIGHLY !!

Parkinson's Disease
The author of this book did a great job in explaining what Parkinson's Disease is and giving information for the patient and the caregiver.I am a dental hygienist and I learned just an overview of the disease in school.After having my first patient with the disease I decided to learn more about it.I learned alot from this book that I should of already known for my patient.The book tells you the symptoms and the side effects of the disease and advice on drug therapy, diet, and exercise.Some people don't even know that they have the disease for a couple of months or even years.They think it is just old age or arthritis.The book also states what kind of medical advice to seek.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anatomy    2. Consumer Health    3. Diseases    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. General    6. Medical    7. Neurology - General    8. Parkinson's disease    9. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation    10. Popular works    11. Coping with illness    12. Popular medicine   

Reviews (4)

Practical, Positive and Personal
This is a book that offers very PRACTICAL suggestions (because they are tried and true) ways to approach life at a time and in a circumstance when you might want to give up.It is POSITIVE without overlooking the problems and hurdles to overcome.It is PERSONAL as it depicts the adventures of a very talented and vital personality coping with a life of change and uncertainty. Hope: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson's
I really appreciated the upbeat message of this book.The author shares a simple plan for dealing with the challenges of a chronic disease, without whitewashing the difficulties of daily life.He also shares a lot of personal examples, many of which I was able to identify with.My mother has Parkinson's and I've done quite a bit of research, reading, etc.This book fills a gap in the literature that's out there; most of the information is dry, "this is what's happening now, here's what the patient can expect in the future."It was great to read something that really does give hope and is full of positive, realistic encouragement.I like the author's "take the bull by the horns" attitude.

HOPE is for everyone
This book was written for Parkinson's People and is a must read for anyone with PD and their families.I loved the book so much I have given copies to family and friends who don't have PD.Why?Because HOPE has something to teach us all about living with adversity (presented here in the form of chronic illness) in a way that builds on our strengths while learning to adapt to uninvited change.Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Nervous System (incl. Brain)    4. Movement disorders    5. Parkinson's Disease    6. Popular works    7. Self-Help   

Subjects:  1. Medical    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Movement disorders    4. Neurology - General    5. Parkinson Disease    6. Parkinson's disease    7. Surgery - Plastic & Cosmetic    8. Test Preparation & Review    9. Medical / Test Preparation & Review    10. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Reviews (2)

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.
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Subjects:  1. Caregiving    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Medical    5. Neurology - General    6. Parkinson's disease    7. Popular works    8. Reference    9. Coping with illness    10. Health & Fitness / Reference    11. Popular medicine   

Subjects:  1. Exercsie and yoga program for those with Parkinson's disease    2. Health & Fitness / Diseases / General   

Editorial Review

It hardly seems fair that so many great doctors are also great writers. Perhaps it's qualities like sensitivity, craft, and dedication that keep physicians like Oliver Sacks in hospitals all day and at writing desks all night; if nothing else, these qualities shine in books like Read more

Reviews (15)

Awakenings, no doubt!!!
I couldn't put this book down!!!!
Disturbing Tale
This book details the experiments with L-Dopa that Dr. Oliver Sacks put some special patients through at the Mt. Carmel Hospital in New York.These patients had been infected with encephalitis lethargica some 40 years earlier.One of the after effects of encephalitis lethargica (a disease which appeared mysteriously in 1916 and disappeared just as mysteriously in 1926) is manifestation of the symptoms of severe Parkinson's Disease.The patients had tremors, and they just seemed to freeze up, unable to move, walk, talk, or even swallow, in some cases.This left the patients in a catatonic state, and when their relatives were unable to care for them any longer at home, they were institutionalized at the hospital, together with patients suffering from dementia and other mental illnesses. Dr. Sacks, a neurologist, began working at Mt. Carmel in 1966.About that time, researchers working on Parkinson's began touting the wonders of L-Dopa, a drug that seemed to provide some relief from the Parkinsons' symptoms.
Compelling documentation
One of the things I find most striking about Oliver Sacks is his humanity. I find myself instilled with his sense of compassion and understanding by reading his cases. Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Complications    3. Diseases Of Central Nervous System    4. Dopa    5. Epidemic encephalitis    6. Medical    7. Neurology - General    8. Neuropsychology    9. Postencephalitic Parkinson's d    10. Postencephalitic Parkinson's disease    11. Psychology    12. Therapeutic use    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Neuropsychology   

Subjects:  1. Medical    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Neurology - General    4. Neuroscience    5. Parkinson's disease    6. Medical / Neuroscience    7. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Diseases - General    5. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Holism    10. Parkinson's disease    11. Popular works    12. Coping with illness    13. Popular medicine   

Reviews (2)

A VeryHeloful, InformativeBook
Anyone with Parkinslon's disease as well as their caretaker should appreciate this book.It is well-written and empathethic. Dr. Abe Liebberman hasanswered questions I have had about the baffling condition and it is unfortunate that we do not have more doctors with his knowledge and expertise in America today.

don't waste your $ if you expect title to be true!
as a recently diagnosed parkinson disease person, i have read and re-read everything i could get from pd foundations on symptons, treatments and what to expect with pd. the title of this book, "shaking up parkinson disease - fighting like a tiger, thinking like a fox" led me to believe that the famous dr.lieberman would be revealing actions and stragegies not previously printed on dealing with and CURING pd. the title is misleading...contents are almost word for word from his "100 questions & answers about parkinson disease," which i found well organized and quite useful. why were relatives of pd patients interviewed when there are approximately 1 1/2 million
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    3. General    4. Medical    5. Neurology - General    6. Parkinson's Disease    7. Popular works    8. Diseases & disorders    9. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Subjects:  1. Medical    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Mental Health    4. Neurology - General    5. Parkinson's disease    6. Parkinsonian Disorders    7. Reference    8. Symptomatic Parkinson's disease    9. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology