Table of Contents
Foreword vii
About the Author ix
Part 1 Most Frequently Asked Questions 1
Questions 1-12 answer commonly asked questions regarding Parkinson disease, such as:
What is Parkinson disease?
What causes Parkinson disease?
What are the stages of Parkinson disease?
Part 2 Tell Me More 37
Questions 13-27 discuss the symptoms and physical effects of Parkinson disease, as well as what to expect when you visit a neurologist:
What are the main symptoms of Parkinson disease?
Is difficulty speaking part of Parkinson disease?
I am seeing a neurologist-what should I expect?
What do I do after I've been diagnosed with Parkinson disease?
Part 3 Things You Should Know 89
Questions 28-38 review the progressive patterns of and physical changes brought on by Parkinson disease, including:
Why does Parkinson disease get worse?
What is freezing of gait?
Why am I having difficulty swallowing?
Part 4 The First Five Years After You're Diagnosed 113
Questions 39-56 offer advice on what to expect during the first five years post diagnosis, including drug information and emotional changes, such as:
What is the goal of treatment?
What is a dopamine agonist?
I have Parkinson disease-why me?
As a care-partner, how can I cope with my partner's Parkinson disease?
Part 5 The Next Six to Thirty Years After Diagnosis 155
Questions 57-75 review drug treatment options as well as common psychological issues facing patients with Parkinson disease:
What is levodopa/carbidopa?
What are Comtan and Tasmar?
What are symptoms of depression in Parkinson disease and how is it treated?
Part 6 What Else Should I Know? 193
Questions 76-100 present additionalinformation on treatment options and on how to maintain a high quality of life while living with Parkinson disease, including:
What is deep brain stimulation?
What is the role of gene therapy in Parkinson disease treatment?
How can I make my home safer?
When will there be a cure?
Appendix 237
Glossary 243
Index 253