Understanding Parkinson's Disease

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--you wonder what course the disease will take. How will it affect your life? What are your treatment options? The authors are uniquely qualified to understand your concerns. Steven Schechter, M.D., is a neurologist who has treated thousands of PD patients, and David Cram, M.D., lived with Parkinson’s disease (PD) for twenty years. They also understand the importance of education and proper treatment for maintaining the best quality of life possible. In Understanding Parkinson’s Disease, they draw from their perspectives--as a specialist and a PD patient--to enlighten and encourage readers. Among the topics they cover: How is PD diagnosed, symptoms and stages of PD, the emotional side of PD--conquering fear and denial, choosing the right health care team, drug therapy--PD medications and how they work, surgical options, deep brain stimulation, the importance of exercise, coping with day-to-day problems, and care for caregivers. Dr. Steven Schechter, M.D., is a neurologist in West Bloomfield, Michigan.