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. Cheryl Leiningen, DNP, RN, APN-C (Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies); Doodys Reviews 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

J. Eric Ahlskog, Ph.D., M.D., 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.

Acknowledgments ; 1. Background ; Part I. Basic Facts about the Brain and Parkinson's Disease ; 2. Primer on the Brain ; 3. Parkinson's Disease: Changes in the Brain and Beyond ; Part II. Parkinson's Disease: Diagnosis and Prognosis ; 4. How do I Know If I Have Parkinson's Disease? ; 5. Prognosis ; Part III. ; 6. Conditions Mistaken for Parkinson's Disease ; 7. Testing ; Part IV. The Cause and Progression of Parkinson's Disease ; 8. Clues to the Cause(s): Genes, Environment ; 9. Drugs or Strategies to Slow Parkinson's Disease Progression? ; Part V. The Movement Problems of Parkinson's Disease: Medication Rationale and Choices ; 10. Medications for Movement Problems (Gait, Tremor, Slowness): Background and Rationale ; 11. Starting Medical Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Movement Problems ; Part VI. Beginning Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: Medication Guidelines ; 12. Starting Levodopa Treatment ; 13. Starting Dopamine Agonist Treatment ; 14. Refractory Tremor Syndromes: <"Medications Don't Help My Tremor!>" ; Part VII. The Early Years on Medications ; 15. The First Few Years on Carbidopa/Levodopa Treatment ; 16. The Early Years of Parkinson's Disease If Started on Other Drugs ; Part VIII. Later Medication Inconsistency: Motor Fluctuations and Dyskinesias ; 17. Later-Developing Movement Problems: Motor Fluctuations and Dyskinesias Treated with Levodopa Adjustments ; 18. Supplemental Drugs for Motor Fluctuations and Dyskinesias ; Part IX. Other Treatment Problems: Not Just a Movement Disorder ; 19. Subjective Parkinson's Disease Symptoms Due to Dopamine Deficiency ; 20. Sleep Problems: Insomnia, Daytime Sleepiness, and Nighttime Disruptions ; 21. Orthostatic Hypotension and Other Causes of Dizziness ; 22. Depression ; 23. Thinking, Memory, and Dementia ; 24. Hallucinations, Paranoia, Delusions, and Problematic Compulsive Behaviors ; 25. Problems with Swallowing, Saliva, and Speaking ; 26. Managing Digestive Problems and Constipation ; 27. Urinary Symptoms ; 28. Sexual Dysfunction, Estrogen, and Menstrual cycles ; 29. Other Treatment Problems: Swelling, Skin rashes, and Visual symptoms ; Part X. Nutrition, Exercise, Work, and Family ; 30. Diets, Vitamins, Nutrition, Osteoporosis ; 31. Exercise, Physical Medicine, and Physical Therapy ; 32. Family, Friends, the Workplace, and Caregivers ; Part XI. Surgery and Procedures for Parkinson's Disease: Present and Future ; 33. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Other Brain Surgery for Parkinson's Disease ; 34. Experimental Treatments: Fetal and Stem Cell Implantation; Neurotrophic Hormone and Gene Therapy; Vaccines and Immunotherapy ; Part XII. Parkinson's Disease Information Services ; 35. Support and advocacy groups; the Internet ; Glossary ; Index