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Customer Reviews (3)

The Comfort of "The Comfort of Home"
"Comfort" is a perfect word for the title of Maria M. Meyer, Paula Derr, and Susan C. Imke's book "The Comfort of Home." The authors are accomplished registered nurses as well as caregiver educators and advocates. Ms. Imke contributes a wealth of specialized knowledge of, and experience with, Parkinson disease. "The Comfort of Home for Parkinson Disease" brings comfort and peace of mind to families of people with Parkinson disease. The authors have successfully compiled a complete collection of the latest Parkinson disease-specific information, resources, caregiving options, record-keeping templates, home safety tips and illustrations, and much more. The material is presented with clarity and compassion. Two imporant and fundamental premises permeate the book: 1) that Parkinson disease affects not only the patient, but the caregiver, and the entire family system; and 2) that PD demands a holistic, team approach to care. This book not only validates, but also elevates, the role of the family caregiver as someone who is intimately involved in, and knowledgable about, the disease, and who is an integral member of the care team. The book goes the extra mile (actually, miles) to help any family caregiver navigate the systems of health care, home care, and Parkinson disease. I heartily give this book 5 stars.

Diane B. Breslow, MSW, LCSW, Center Coordinator, Northwestern University Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence

"The best resource for caregivers I have seen."

"One of the many definitions of comfort is "the capacity to ease well-being", which certainly applies to our homes when we are seeking well-being. The word, care, may have many meanings in different scenarios, but one I like best is "to treat with dignity".The Comfort of Home is truly the best resource for caregivers I have seen.The basic descriptions, pictures, quick bullets of information and tips are just what caregivers need to learn, provided in an easy to "read and see" version.The myriad of helpful topics condensed here is just what caregivers I work with have requested and will benefit from. I highly recommend this resource to all caregivers of those with Parkinson's disease."

[Neurology Nurse Practitioner andFaculty member, University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Nursing Gwyn M. Vernon, MSN, CRNP]

A 'must' for anyone having responsibility for helping another
Now in a newly and substantially revised and expanded third edition, "The Comfort Of Home: A Complete Guide For Caregivers" continues to earn its reputation as the 'bible' for providing home caregivers to aged, ill or handicapped loved ones with a thoroughly 'user friendly' illustrated guide that covers everything necessary from daily living tasks to preparations for hospice care, to making funeral arrangements. This is a complete and superbly organized, 216-page, comprehensive 'how to' manual that will help the caregiver to develop their skills, expertise, and confidence, which will in turn enhance their peace of mind with respect to the quality of life they helping to afford their charge. Also available in a Spanish language edition, "The Comfort Of Home: A Complete Guide For Caregivers" is a 'must' for anyone having responsibility for helping another to continue to live in their home, prepare them for having to move into an extended care facility, or to help make final arrangements. Three other outstanding and highly recommended specialized manuals for professional home care from CareTrust Publications include: "The Comfort Of Home For Parkinson Diseases: A Guide For Caregivers" ; "The Comfort Of Home For Stroke: A Guide For Caregivers" ; and "The Comfort Of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide For Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers". ... Read more

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This collection of review articles provides detailed clinical descriptions and treatment recommendations for the important, but often unrecognized, nonmotor dysfunctions of Parkinson's disease. Topics range from behavioral abnormalities and autonomic dysfunction to sleep-related and sensory dysfunction, and include depression and anxiety, dementia, psychosis, obsessionality, gastric and intestinal dysfunction, impaired sexual function, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep apnea. The authors review what is known about each type of dysfunction, discussing clinical features, methods of diagnosis, and treatment. ... Read more

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Designed for people with Parkinson's and their families. Written by a registered dietitian who specializes in the nutrition needs unique to Parkinson's, this book features popular recipes that are rich in the nutrients most needed by those with Parkinson's disease. ... Read more

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It was nearly four weeks after his 45th birthday when Bill Schmalfeldt was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In addition to having to get used to having what he always thought of as a old man's disease, Bill had to adjust to the idea that his condition would only deteriorate. After seven years, Bill learned about an experimental clinical trial of deep brain stimulation for patients in the less-advanced stages of Parkinson's. He was one of 30 people to sign up for this Phase I trial testing the safety and tolerability of the procedure. In this group, 15 patients were randomized to the surgical group while 15 were asked to just continue taking their medicine as before so they could be compared to the surgical group in the months and years to come. The author's proceeds from the sale of this book and/or download will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation to assist in their marvelous work towards finding a cure and new and better treatments for PD. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

He Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 45, Bill Schmalfeldt refused to go quietly. Instead, he volunteered for experimental Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.

"I make a living telling people about the benefits of clinical research," writes Schmalfeldt, a former Navy corpsman, now a media guy, author, and blogger. "What kind of a hypocrite would I be if I didn't take the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is?"

Still, being a DBS clinical trial volunteer takes moxie. Neither Schmalfeldt nor his doctors could predict how things would turn out. He doesn't flinch from blunt appraisals of living with an incurable, degenerative disease, and deploys gallows humor for those special moments: the drilling-holes-in-the-head part; how his deep brain sounds via implanted electrodes, in real time; how even the best hospital does inscrutable things to scrambled eggs; and how to deal with able-bodied slackers in the handicapped seats.

You've heard of "being a partner in your own care"? Schmalfeldt's the poster guy for that, and an advocate for other "Parky" people. In choosing to be a clinical trial volunteer, then persisting in writing about it and its aftermath, he's rejected the role of passive patient. Whether he's ribbing the staff, loving his wife, or querying God (without a whiff of proselytizing, thank you), this is a hero's story. Best of luck, Bill!

Honest, funny and informative
I worked with Bill some years ago when he hosted audio programs about health topics for a federal agency. I learned a lot from him, and was curious to read about his experiences with Parkinson's Disease, particularly his participation in a clinical trial of deep brain surgery. Bill tells his story both with brutal honesty and with humor, without ever getting maudlin. He explains why he chose to enter the study and details his progress. In the end, though, this is more than a book about the course of a disease. You get a window into the daily life of a remarkable man and a warm, loving couple that can sustain a fighting spirit and sheer joy in being together, whatever the challenges they face.

Engaging - author brings his story to help others in their journey.


I am ordering this book today. After reading this first chapter of this book to review it...I was surprised by the way Bill could add humor and emotion to a difficult disease. His writing is engaging to the point I want to read more. PD is a disease that presents itself in many ways to many people. We need to educate ourselves in order to contribute anything to our own life as well as others suffering from PD. Thank you, Bill. Excellent job! Can't wait to get my book.

Come into the OR with Bill
"Deep Brain Diary: My Life as a Guy with Parkinson's Disease and Brain Surgery Volunteer" is Bill Schmalfeldt's personal story about living with a neurological disease that afflicts over a million Americans.Written in the style of a diary, Schmalfeldt talks about how he discovered he had the disease at age 45, why he decided to participate in an experimental clinical trial that involved brain surgery, and his recovery and life afterwards.He takes you into the operating room with him, remaining awake for the seven- hour surgery to implant probes deep into his brain to alleviate some of his symptoms.With a wry and sardonic sense of humor and writing style, Schmalfeldt weaves an easy-to-read tale of his personal struggle with the disease, pulling no punches over his frustration over the mixed results of his surgery.

Now, "Deep Brain Diary" is available not only in hardcover, but as a paperback, a PDF download, an Amazon "Kindle" book, and soon, as an iPad book offering.

"This book is written not only for the Parkinson's disease patient," Schmalfeldt said, "but for anyone who knows, cares for, or loves someone who has this beast of a disease.I just want folks who are touched by PD to realize that they are not alone.If they've been embarrassed by drooling in public, I've been there.If they've been humiliated by staring onlookers during an episode of dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements caused by medication), I've been there.If they've found themselves frozen in place while walking, I've been there.Parkinson's affects each patient differently.But the one thing I want people to take away from this book is that Parkinson's disease is NOT a death sentence.It's a LIFE sentence."

Schmalfeldt said that the book was also meant to highlight the importance of clinical trials in the search for cures, as well as new and better treatments for diseases.In 2007, Schmalfeldt volunteered for a clinical trial at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville to test the safety and tolerabilty of deep brain stimulation in early PD.

"In my clinical trial, we started out with 30 people.Fifteen of us were randomized to the surgical group, 15 were randomized to the control group, meaning they would continue to take their regular medication and then be compared at various intervals with those of us who had the surgery to see if our rates of progression differed," he said."The theory this clinical trial is trying to prove is that doing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery earlier in the course of PD will be beneficial to patients, and may even slow down or reverse the progression of the disease."

Schmalfeldt noted that the study is currently seeking the funds to expand to medical centers around the country, enrolling hundreds of new Parkinson's patients.Schmalfeldt said 100 percent of the author proceeds from sale of his book will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center's DBS Research Fund.

"Deep Brain Diary" is available as a 249-page hardback at Lulu.com as well as from online booksellers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Booksamillion.com for $35.The paperback version is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million for $15.A PDF download is available for $5 at Lulu.An Amazon "Kindle" version is available for $5.The book is currently being formatted for Apple's iPad book store as well.

"Deep Brain Diary" is Schmalfeldt's first try at non-fiction.His previous works, "...by the people...", "Undercover Trucker: How I Saved America by Truckin' Towels for the Taliban," and "Hunky Dunk," are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.

He blogs daily at[..]
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Product Description
Parkinsons disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive disease that affects as many as one million people in the United States alone. Although many patients and families are aware of the physical challenges that accompany Parkinsons disease, few are prepared ... Read more

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From the Author: I was a relatively young 53 years old when I was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in February1992. My initial symptoms included numbness in myhands and legs, a moderate limp, general form ofbody rigidity, and highly illegible handwriting.My original thought was I wanted to rid myself ofthese conditions to improve my golf game. As ageneral optimist, I never envisioned that Isuffered from a permanently degenerative situation. Itwas quite a shock for me, after a physical examand an MRI of my brain, to hear my neurologist, Dr.Melvin Vigman, officially label me as aParkinsonian. Suddenly, I felt a lot older than 53 as Icompared myself with the older residents of myin-laws nursing home. I too was destined to be azombie-like creature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An informative and "reader friendly" guide through the pain and struggle of dealing with Parkinson's disease
Pills, Bills, And Parkinson's Disease: Coping With The On-Off Syndrome by Paul A. Luscombe is an informative and "reader friendly" guide through the pain and struggle of dealing with Parkinson's disease. Insightfully engaging the reader in the stories from his own past, through his discovery, understanding, and progression through his own diagnoses and his undesired adaptation to his very active life, Paul Luscombe presents Pills, Bills, And Parkinson's Disease as a kind of helping hand for those who are in the midst of their own difficulties in facing their Parkinson's diagnoses. Pills, Bills, And Parkinson's Disease is very strongly recommended reading, most especially to readers with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease for themselves or a loved one.
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Parkinson's disease is one of the most distressing and disabling illnesses of later life, but effective management and support of both patients and carers can offer enormous improvement in quality of life. This second edition of "Fast Facts: Parkinson's Disease" is a thorough update on the original text. New sections include welding-induced parkinsonism, non-motor symptoms, transcranial ultrasound scanning, sleep disorders and autonomic problems. The book also covers the most up-to-date drug treatments, recent developments in the genetics of the disease and the latest NICE guidelines (introduced in 2006) for the management of the disease. This fully revised handbook will help all doctors, nurses and therapists to provide the best possible care for their patients with Parkinson's disease or related disorders. ... Read more

Product Description
Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease is designed for people withParkinson's, caregivers, and health professionals. Written by a registered dietitian whospecializes in the nutrition needs unique to Parkinson's, this book features large type, lie-flatbinding, and spaces for notes. Also included are recipes and menus designed to provide a 7:1ratio of carbohydrates to protein, for better absorption of levodopa (Sinemet).

Information includes:Timing of medications and dealing with nauseaControlling constipation safely, preventing bowel impactionFluid needs and dehydrationParkinson's and bone healthB vitamin needs, B6 and levodopaDealing with heartburn / reflux / ulcers / hiatal herniaWhy unplanned weight loss can be a problemChewing & swallowing difficultiesProtein and levodopaMenus and recipes in the 7:1 ratio ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

DO NOT PAY 5 TIMES over the Author's price for this book
This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it, WITH 1 CAVEAT: ALL of the "Used and New" sellers are charging about 5 TIMES OVER what the author, Kathrynne Holden, asks for this SAME BOOK on her own web site.SAVE YOUR MONEY and visit www.nutritionyoucanlivewith.com OR just Google "Kathrynne Holden" and save TONS of money if you decide to purchase this exzcellent book.

A GODSEND
This book has proven a godsend for my mom (who suffers from Parkinsons) and myself. The information is sound, easy to follow, and presented with ample background. I like the writer's approach to nutrition (i.e., good flavor is essential). Her knowledge of Parkinsons is impressive. I can't begin to tell you how many questions it answers. I consider this book an essential part of my mom's medical "team."

Great book on nutrition and the PD patient.
One of the most enlightening books I've read regarding Parkinson's Disease.Focusing on nutrition and what your body is going through with PD, it is a primer for what to watch out for, how to deal with dietarychallenges, and what to expect.This book will help you make a nutritionalgame plan, and prepare a pre-emptive strike against most of the commonsurprises PD throws at you. I don't suffer from PD - I'm a family member. It was great for me and great for my family PD-er.I recommend this bookto everyone interested in living better with Parkinson's. ... Read more

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In this important new book, international Parkinson's expert Dr J. David Grimes answers all your questions about this progressive disorder of the central nervous system. Without jargon, clearly and succinctly, he gives a full background on what is now known about the causes, details signs and symptoms, and offers a complete update on the latest research and treatment, together with much helpful advice and information on how best to live your life with Parkinson's. What causes Parkinson's disease? What are the latest drug therapies and treatments? What surgical procedures are available? Do gene therapy and stem-cell research provide hope? How can I better control my symptoms? How can I adapt my home and better manage my day-to-day life? This well-planned and accessible guide is an invaluable resource for people with Parkinson's Disease and their families. ... Read more

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Inspired by her father's interaction with her children, Rasheda Ali wrote this book to address the most commonly asked questions from children who may not understand why their loved ones with Parkinson’s disease behave in certain ways.

Written for adults to read to children, the book encourages dialogue through the use of colorful illustrations, situations depicting symptoms, and interactive questions.Medical facts are provided at the end of each page to help readers answer children's questions with greater ease and specific terms are explained in the margin on each page.

I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall: A Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease is essential reading for children and families/caregivers with children that have relatives or loved ones suffering from Parkinson’s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Grandma's review.
Being a Parkinson's disease sufferer, I found the book to be very true.

A very refreshing look at Parkinson's, through the eyes of children.I am a grandma and my grandchildren are very attentive and help me a lot.They haven't all read the bok yet, but intend to very soon.

A must read! Definitely an effective powerful punch against PD.
My daughter age 9, cherishes this book like no other. Why? I'm certain it's because she no longer needs to ask, why? She now has an understanding beyond the adults I come in contact with, and being an innocent child, she doesn't doubt the rude effects of PD. Thank you Rasheda for having the Love necessary for this advocacy and fight.

This is a gift of insight and knowledge
When I was disgnosed with Parkison's disease 11 years ago, the diagnosing neurologist made a comparison that people might mistake Parkinson's for dementia.It has taken me a long time to rid myself of that image.I found that the Parkinson's library at LSUSHCS (Louisiana State University at Shreveport's Health Scienced Center) had purchased I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall:A Child's Guide to Parkinson's disease by Rasheeda Ali, I couldn't reserve it fast enough.This amazing work by this amazing and courageous daughter was just what I had been searching for to send to my two grandsons, who live outside of Boston (I live in Texas) and whom I see once or twice a year, because of the distance.I wanted them to understand Grampy's struggle and to not be afraid of him if he acts strangely or can't keep up with their boundless seven and nine year-old energy.I've not seen them since I purchased the book and mailed it to them, but I have every confidence that my next visit will be a 'comfortable' and enjoyable one with, hopefully some questions for Grampy about Parkinson's disease upon which they and I can establish common ground.

Thank you, Rasheeda, for this grand gift designed to provide knowledge and put a 'face" to Parkinson's disease.

very helpful
I found this book to be very helpful because my husband has Parkinson's disease and it has helpt my daughter understand what is going on with him.
This book anwsered most of her questions

a Great Idea
I believe this book was great idea to help our kids understand their elders, and I hope that the same idea can be used to write similar books about other terminal diseases such as Alzheimer's.

I also think this book should be made available in primary school libraries, to make it more accessible to all children wither any of their relatives have PD or not, because I believe that such information should be known by everyone.
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Dr. Cram's second book on Parkinson's Disease, takes a fresh look at tough challenges. He discusses in detail many less common symptoms of the disease, such as freezing and orthostatic hypotension. A physician who has lived with Parkinson's Disease for twelve years, he is in a unique position to cast light on the health implications of Parkinson's Disease - adding credibility, professionalism and personal compassion to his answers. With wisdom and warmth, his "voice of experience" offers knowledge, confidence, and hope - so critical to Parkinson's Disease patients and families seeking ways to better cope with this distressing disease, while maximizing quality of life.

The organization and substantive content of Answers . . . . translate into an easy-to-read resource about Parkinson's Disease - essential to every family affected and valuable to any healthcare professional who deals with Parkinson's Disease. ... Read more

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Daniel chronicles his life with a Parkinson's Plus syndrome and explains how he dealt with the neurological decline that resulted. Read a user-friendly, patient's explanation of the defining symptoms of these atypical Parkinsonism disorders and find out how this neuro-degenerative disease progressed in Dan's case.He writes a compelling and inspirational story of how he maintained his faith in God, while courageously facing life with a movement disorder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I Will Go On: Living With a Movement Disorder
Dr. Daniel Brooks, is not a medical doctor but an educator.He was born in 1955 and was successful in his work.He is in the third year of this disease, like I am.He became more comfortable with this disease, but in the beginning each of his members of the family must go through the grieving and acceptance his own way and time.I wanted to know how he coped with this incurable disease and how his wife and three adult boys dealt with it.He is a good writer and expresses his personal experience as a neurological patient.

A must read!
This is an excellent book for anyone with Parkinson's Plus or a caregiver or family member with a relative recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Plus.The author is an exceptional writer and gets across his message quite clearly.There is a huge difference between Parkinson's Disease and Parkinson's Plus.You won't regret purchasing this book. ... Read more

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Published with the Parkinson's Disease Society, this book contains highlights of PDS-sponsored welfare research over the last 10 years, with reports of key projects carried out to improve the lives of people with the disease and provide them with better standards of care, both professional and voluntary. ... Read more

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This volume focuses on the interplay of mind and motion - the bidirectional link between thought and action. In particular, it investigates the implications that this coupling has for decision making. How do we anticipate the consequences of choices and how is the brain able to represent these choice options and their potential consequences? How are different options evaluated and how is a preferred option selected and implemented? This volume addresses these questions not only through an extensive body of knowledge consisting of individual chapters by international experts, but also through integrative group reports that pave a runway into the future. The understanding of how people make decisions is of common interest to experts working in fields such as psychology, economics, movement science, cognitive neuroscience, neuroinformatics, robotics, and sport science. So far, however, it has mainly been advanced in isolation within distinct research disciplines; in contrast, this book results from a deliberate assembly of multidisciplinary teams. It offers intense, focused, and genuine interdisciplinary perspective.It conveys state-of-the-art and outlines future research directions on the hot topic of Mind and Motion (or embodied cognition). It includes contributions from psychologists, neuroscientists, movement scientists, economists, and others. ... Read more

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Compassionate, informative and practical, this book fills the gap in theusual doctor-patient communications about Parkinson's disease. Abreakthrough book, it's filled with up-to-date information including:symptoms and probable causes, the process of diagnosis, the likely courseof the illness, various types of treatment, how families can minimize andcope with stress, help from professionals and organizations. This self-helpguide helps patients live their lives to the fullest. ... Read more

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Lay-level guide to understanding Parkinson's disease and its potential impact on one's life. For those diagnosed and their family members. Softcover. ... Read more

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This book is the first definitive overview on adenosine receptor antagonists and their application to the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The effect of these novel non-dopamine drugs on vitro and in vivo systems clearly shows their potential for the treatment of this debilitating disease. This book covers how the Parkinson's disease antagonist drug, A2A, has been researched, developed, and tested. It is an essential book for researchers interested in the basal ganglia, purine biology, and Parkinson's Disease.

Key Features
* Discusses the discovery and development of a novel non-dopaminomimetic agent for Parkinson's disease
* Provides the first definitive overview of adenosine antagonists and their role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
* Presents a new mechanism of action of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists in motor function
Proposes a hypothesis of adenosine A2A receptor function in the striatum
* Comprehensive overview of adenosine, its receptor subtypes, their antagonists/agonists from biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and neurochemistry viewpoints ... Read more

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the basic and clinical neuropharmacology of dopamine agonists and the rationale for their employment in PD. The authors have compiled an up-to-date guide, covering such topics as the pathophysiology of dopaminergic systems and the neuro-biochemistry of dopaminergic receptors, the clinical use of old and new dopamine agonists, both in the first-time treatment of PD patients and for reducing motor fluctuations in levodopa-treated ones, and the possible role of dopamine agonists as neuroprotective agents. Particular emphasis has been placed on apomorphine, an old dopamine agonist that has recently recaptured neurologists' interest for its use in both diagnostic use and therapeutic management of advanced Parkinsonian patients. Articles discussing the results of ongoing clinical studies of newly developed dopamine agonists and the potential use of dopamine agonists, both new and old, as neuroprotectors should be of particu!lar interest to the reader. The work is an exhaustive up-to-date compendium that assembles the entire spectrum of current basic and clinical research on dopaminergic systems and dopamine agonists in Parkinson's disease into a single authoritative source.English Springer-Verlag Wien 25-JAN-1999 ... Read more