If you've been told by your doctor, "You have Parkinson's disease," you
probably found it difficult to hear those words. Such a diagnosis can be
frightening and leave you filled with questions. How will it affect your
life? What are your treatment options? These authors are uniquely
qualified to understand your concerns. Steven Schechter, M.D., is a
neurologist who has treated thousands of patients with Parkinson's
disease, and David Cram, M.D., lived with the disease himself. Among the
topics they cover are: diagnosis, symptoms and stages, the emotional
side of PD--conquering fear and denial, choosing the right health care
team, drug therapy--medications and how they work, surgical options,
deep brain stimulation, the importance of exercise, coping with
day-to-day problems, and care for caregivers.