Parkinson's Disease Patient Handbook From the Rush University Parkinson's Disease Program

This handbook was written to guide patients with Parkinson's disease and their loved ones as they gather information, use therapeutics to treat symptoms, and progress in their disease over time. It offers necessary information and provides a list of resources available to patients at the Rush University program. Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is a challenge that many people face, but this team of authors and contributors hope to provide information that can improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

The "Parkinson's Disease Patient Handbook" begins with an introduction to the disease and how to make peace with the diagnosis. Soon after, the book dives into therapeutic strategies, how to get the most out of the doctor's visits, and the role of exercise and diet in the disease. There also are chapters that address symptoms and signs that occur later, such as cognitive changes and the benefits of interventional therapy. This is a must-read book for anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, or anyone who has a loved one who is affected by it.

Deborah Hall, MD PhD is an expert on Parkinson's disease and related disorders. She is the Director of the world renowned Rush University Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder program and the Parkinson's Foundation Endowed Chair. She is a Professor of Neurological Sciences, has a clinical practice of Parkinson's disease patients, and an active research program in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders funded by the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson's Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and others.Natalie Witek, MD, MS is a movement disorder specialist who sees patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders at Rush University Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder program. She has received training and research funding from the Parkinson's Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and others.Abhimanyu Mahajan, MD, MHS is a movement disorders neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurological Sciences at Rush University Medical Center. He specializes in the diagnosis and care of individuals with Parkinson's disease and related disorders. He has received funding from the Parkinson's Foundation, Sunflower Parkinson's disease Foundation and Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.