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Parkinson's Books & Resources
BOOKS
10 Breakthrough Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Michael S. Okun, M.D., a neurologist and leading researcher, reviews recent breakthrough ideas and therapies in Parkinson's disease. Sharing the belief that all people with Parkinson's and their families should be informed and updated on all potential therapies.
10 Things Every Caregiver Must Know (audio CD)
In 10 Things Every Caregiver Must Know you will find the key points to lead a more balanced life, support your loved one, and cope with the challenges you face every day.
10 Things Every Person with Parkinson's Must Know (audio CD)
10 Things Every Person With Parkinson's Must Know provides the essential tips for living well with Parkinson's disease and making the most out of every day.
300 Tips for Making Life with Parkinson's Disease Easier
Filled with tips, techniques, and shortcuts readers will learn basic lessons for conserving time and energy, enabling them to do more of the things they want to do. Throughout the book, specially marked tips are provided for those who provide care and support for people with this disease.
A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
This comprehensive guide explains the basics of Lewy body dementia and includes personal anecdotes, caregiving tips and a glossary of relevant terms to serve as a resource to better understand the disease.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned
Michael draws on his own life experiences to make a case that real learning happens when life goes skidding sideways.
A Life Shaken
Joel Havemann incorporates relevant scientific information about Parkinson's disease into his own story of living with the condition. "A Life Shaken" includes facts, diagrams and a glossary of information about Parkinson's and presents the information as engaging and accessible.
A Lifetime in Motion: Lessons Learned From a Student of the Game(s)
From an ordinary guy who has done some extraordinary things throughout his life. A baseball National Champion, certified tennis professional, a Boston Marathon runner, and a high school baseball and tennis coach who has brought teams to championships — as well as confronting the biggest challenge in his life. Inspirational, motivational, instructional, and often humorous stories, and the life lessons taken from his experiences. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 2015).
A Parkinson's Primer
This nontechnical, personal guide, written by John M. Vine, covers John's experiences since his Parkinson's diagnosis 12 years ago. It includes advice on all aspects of the disease plus interviews with people with Parkinson's and their partners.
A Soft Voice in a Noisy World
A culmination of over twenty years of personal experience, in A Soft Voice in a Noisy World Karl Robb provides an assortment of tips and suggestions that have made a difference in his life and benefited him in his personal struggle with PD.
Alter Your Course: Parkinson's - The Early Years (Movement & Neuroperformance Center Empowerment Series) (Volume 1)
Alter Your Course Parkinson's the Early Years is a new book to help you shape your future with Parkinson's. (Paperback 2014)
Always Looking Up
There are many words to describe Michael J. Fox. Actor. Husband. Father. Activist. But readers of Always Looking Up will soon add another to the list: Optimist. Michael writes about the hard-won perspective that helped him see challenges as opportunities.
Another Door Opens
It has been twenty years since Alan Cohee was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He invites you into his life to see how he has faced the journey from his diagnosis.
Brain Storms: The Race to Unlock the Mysteries of Parkinson's Disease
In his latest book, journalist and friend of the Foundation Jon Palfreman chronicles how scientists have worked to crack the mystery of what was once called the shaking palsy, from the earliest clinical descriptions of tremors, gait freezing and micrographia to the cutting edge of neuroscience, and charts the victories and setbacks of a massive international effort to best the disease. And he shares inspiring stories of brave individuals living with Parkinson's, from a former professional ballet dancer who tricks her body to move freely again to a patient who cannot walk but astounds doctors when he is able to ride a bicycle with no trouble at all.
Carina and Her Care Partner Gramma
The second book in the Shaky Paws Grampa series, was written to address Parkinson's disease (PD) specifically and to provide a communication tool for people with Parkinson's to use with their children or grandchildren. This book provides details specific to PD symptoms and mentions important issues in the PD world, including deep brain stimulation therapy.
Caring for the Parkinson Patient: A Practical Guide 1999
(Paperback published 1999 by Prometheus Books)
DBS A Patient Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation
Learn how DBS can help or understand ways to optimize your DBS treatment.
Defying Despair: Feed the Mind, Train the Body, Nourish the Soul
How One Man Is Winning His Battle Against Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. (Myson Publishing, Inc., 2004)
Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey
Diagnosis Dystonia takes readers on a personal and educational journey full of valuable information for the newly diagnosed, as well as for those who have lived with dystonia for years. Tom provides practical information for emotionally adjusting to the diagnosis and subsequent lifestyle changes, offering coping skills, healthy living strategies and treatment options. (Shadow Panther Press, 2015)
Every Victory Counts
Every Victory Counts is Davis Phinney Foundation's program for living well with Parkinson's. The program manual gives people with Parkinson's the tools they need to take control of their on treatment through a proactive approach to self-care.
Everybody Has a Window and Aisle Seat: Choosing a Positive Approach to Parkinson's Disease
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease almost two decades ago, Mary Huston McLendon shares a collection of stories that describe her positive and straightforward approach to navigating Parkinson's.
From Parkinson's to a Poet
In From Parkinson's to a Poet, author Melody Eddins shares her experiences living with Parkinson's disease and how she turned to poetry as a form of therapy and expression. Her poems are meant to inspire readers through both laughter and tears as she recounts stories from her life as a wife, mother and grandmother.
Getting Started: The Medical Research and Development Primer
FasterCures offers this short, easy to understand backgrounder on the different stages of medical research required to develop a new drug, and on some of the hurdles that slow progress toward breakthroughs.
Goodbye Parkinson's, Hello Life!
"Goodbye Parkinson's, Hello Life!" presents the Gyro-Kinetic method of exercise that combines dance therapy, behavior modification and martial arts to help people with Parkinson's manage their symptoms and cope with the disease.
If I Can Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Why Can’t I Brush My Teeth?
This book chronicles Nan Little's unorthodox approach to managing Parkinson's. Although never considered an athlete, upon hearing her diagnosis in 2008 at age 62, she became physically and mentally stronger by setting, and meeting, unexpected goals.
Keepin’ On: Living Well with Parkinson's Disease
Team Fox member Robert Silver chronicles his personal experiences and anecdotes of living with Parkinson's disease. A portion of proceeds from book sales will be donated to Team Fox, 100 percent of which will go directly to MJFF's high-impact programs to speed a cure for Parkinson's.
Life in the Balance: A Physician's Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss with Parkinson's Disease and Dementia
(Sterling Publishing, 2008)
Lori's Lessons: What Parkinson's Teaches about Life and Love
This memoir is about much more than Lori's struggle against Parkinson's disease. It's also the story of someone who has faced a terrible challenge, met it head-on, and refused to concede. In the struggle, she has learned vital lessons about life itself.
Lucky Man
Combining his trademark ironic sensibility and keen sense of the absurd, he recounts his life -- from his childhood in a small town in western Canada to his meteoric rise in film and television which made him a worldwide celebrity.
My GrandPa's Shaky Hands
This beautifully illustrated book serves as a tool to facilitate dialogue with the very youngest in our families about Parkinson's disease. (2014)
Old Age: A Beginner's Guide
Michael Kinsley's newest book is a humorous collection of essays that discusses his experience with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the larger context of an aging generation.
Parkinson's Disease and the Art of Moving
John Argue has distilled information from his classes for Parkinson's patients into a comprehensive exercise program designed to help you improve flexibility, balance, gait, and communication. Over 100 photographs illustrate the exercises, which derive from yoga and tai chi techniques and theater movement skills. Techniques in the book encompass a variety of daily activities.
Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families
(Paperback published 2001 by Johns Hopkins University Press)
Parkinson's Disease: A Guide for Patient and Family
(Paperback published 2001 by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)
Parkinson's Disease: A Guide for Patients and Families by American Academy of Neurology
This DVD and guidebook answers important questions for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers. Featuring inside perspective from Michael J. Fox and expert counsel by a leading neurologist and a movement disorder specialist.
Parkinson's Dreams about Me, My Dance with the Shaking Palsy
Whether you are newly diagnosed or a Parkinson’s disease veteran, whether young onset or late onset, or if you are a care partner for someone with Parkinson’s, you are likely to find something new and interesting in this book.
Parkinson's Humor - Funny Stories about My Life with Parkinson's Disease
I have Parkinson's Disease and a sense of humor! This is a collection of 100 funny stories about my life with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. I also share some helpful advice for surviving this disease. Come learn and laugh with me! Laughter is the best medicine. Have a Happy Parkie Day! All profits from this book will be donated to Parkinson's.
Parkinson's Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life
Internationally renowned as both a neurologist and a leading researcher, Dr. Okun has been referred to as, "the voice of the Parkinson's disease patient." He has an international following on the National Parkinson Foundation's Ask the Doctor web-forum. His many books and internet blog posts are brimming with up-to date and extremely practical information. He has a talent for infusing his readers with positivity and optimism. In his current book, he unmasks the important secrets applicable to every Parkinson's disease patient.
Parkinson's: A Love Story with Dementia for Dessert
After her husband is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, Ava Butler begins journaling her experiences caring for her husband. This memoir offers Butler's personal reflections on losing a spouse to disease.
Parkinson's? You're Kidding Me, Right?
Sheryl Jedlinski recounts her past 20 years living with Parkinson's through life experiences and humorous stories providing readers with insights into living well with the disease.
Perseverance: The Seven Skills You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Accomplish More Than You Ever Imagined
At age 46, Tim Hague was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease. Just three years later, Tim won the inaugural "The Amazing Race Canada." Drawing on his experience in the competition and challenges throughout his life, Tim's book teaches that perseverance is not a personality trait but a skill to master, achievable through a simple philosophy.
Push the Rock: Second Chances on the Road to Kilimanjaro
This first-person account of one man's journey with Parkinson's, his climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, his involvement with Team Fox and how these experiences have impacted him and his family.
Saving Milly: Love, Politics, and Parkinson's Disease
A deeply moving, unflinchingly honest memoir by the renowned political journalist of his extraordinary relationship with his wife, Milly, and how her battle with Parkinson's disease has transformed their lives.
Say That Again
Benedict Marshall is a charismatic, articulate, award winning playwright. At 62, his life is altered dramatically in one week by two events - being diagnosed with Parkinson's and meeting Nell, a much younger, out of work actress. They form an instant and unlikely close friendship. As they grow closer, Benedict valiantly battles against his Parkinson's with black humour and charm, while trying to deny to his family and himself, his unspoken love for the young woman who everyone warns him can only be after his money.
Shaking Up Parkinson: Fighting Like a Tiger, Thinking Like a Fox
(Paperback published 2001 by Jones & Bartlett Publishers)
Shaky Hands - A Kid's Guide to Parkinson's Disease
This book serves as a guide and conversation starter for children with a loved one with Parkinson's. It addresses many of their questions around PD and treatment, emotions they may experience and how they can help. Proceeds benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Simple Widsom Extraordinary Life
Inspiration comes from different things in a person's life. Sometimes it's from a movie, accident or friend. For author Teresa Rogers, inspiration flows from her mother, Joy. A survivor, running for her life many times from her abusive alcoholic husband, Joy rose above life's hardships. Revealed is Joy's poverty-stricken childhood, marriage at age fifteen to Rogers' father, an abusive alcoholic.
The Mistress
In Catherine Strisik’s second book of poems, she positions her husband’s Parkinson’s disease as the "Other" coming between their marriage and working as a metaphor to convey love, loss and pain.
The NeuroWriters' Guide to the Peripatetic Pursuit of Parkinson's Disease
The NeuroWriters' Guide to the Peripatetic Pursuit of Parkinson's Disease in PDF format is now available for free download here on the MJFF website. This anthology offers experiences, inspiration, resources, opinions and information, written by and about people from many countries who live with Parkinson’s disease.
Tremors in the Universe: A Personal Journey of Discovery with Parkinson's Disease and Spirituality
A powerful journal of personal healing, Tremors in the Universe is a smart and witty self-help narrative that candidly shares author Robert Baittie's inspirational journey with Parkinson's disease and spirituality.
Voices from the Parking Lot: Parkinson's Insights and Perspectives
(Published by The Parkinson Alliance, 2000)
When Parkinson's Strikes Early: Voices Choices, Resources, and Treatment
(Paperback published 2001 by Hunter House)
Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again
Linda Williams served as the first major gifts fundraiser at The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). While working at MJFF, Linda was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a rare form of dementia. Her daughter, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, chronicles her family's journey with her mother's disease in "Where the Light Gets In". With a foreword by Michael J. Fox, Linda and Kimberly's story is an intimate portrait of a family coping with the ripple effects of diagnosis.
MULTIMEDIA
"Songs of Hope" features a superb collection of music from a virtual "who's who" of singers/songwriters, including Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby & Graham Nash.
A podcast series co-hosted by Tonya and Chad Walker that seeks to encourage, connect and educate the Parkinson's community.
Managing Parkinson's: Straight Talk and Hope
Presented by the Washington State Chapter of The American Parkinson Disease Association.
Parkinson's Disease Video Library
Presented by the Panorama Patient Network
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
The Web site includes articles, comprehensive checklists and links to key resources designed to make it easier for family caregivers to quickly find the information they need to care for a loved one.
American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network working tirelessly to provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest. APDA has a unique nationwide system of Chapters and Information & Referral Centers, delivering education, support, and patient services to Americans with PD each day. Since its founding in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $170 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD. Learn more at www.apdaparkinson.org.
Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation
In 2014, The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation formed a collaborative research alliance with MJFF and established The Bachmann-Strauss Prize for Excellence in Dystonia Research to broaden public awareness and recognize key scientific discoveries in dystonia.
The Davis Phinney Foundation was created in 2004 by Olympic medalist and retired professional cyclist, Davis Phinney, to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. As a national leader of quality of life research, the organization’s singular focus is to provide programs and resources that offer inspiration, information and tools that enable people living with Parkinson’s to take action that can immediately improve their quality of life. Through The Victory Summit® event series, Every Victory Counts® manual, Ambassador program and extensive online content, the organization impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals each year. Learn more at www.davisphinneyfoundation.org.
Mayo Clinic Parkinson's Homepage
Research, patient and caregiver information as well as a biannual newsletter from the Mayo clinic.
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by Parkinson’s through awareness, education, advocacy, and care. With over 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s throughout Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon, NWPF seeks to bridge the gap between diagnosis and cure with the best evidence-based programming, to provide high quality, equitable services, and to promote low-cost education of the latest PD research and information. NWPF’s goal is to connect those affected by Parkinson’s in the Northwest to each other through grassroots, localized support. Learn more at www.nwpf.org.
A place for people with neurological and brain disorders to find support.
PD Movement Lab helps people with Parkinson's foster a renewed sense of self. Through practical movement strategies they can learn techniques to improve mobility and adapt creatively. And from interviews with outstanding PwPs, they can discover models and ideas for an active and engaged life.
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience, and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. We are leaders in ensuring expert Parkinson’s disease care; educating and empowering the Parkinson’s community; and driving the understanding of Parkinson’s through research. As a national organization with a local presence and impact, we bring help and hope to individuals who are living with Parkinson’s. Learn more at www.parkinson.org.
Parkinson Association of the Rockies
The Parkinson Association of the Rockies connects and empowers people with Parkinson’s to thrive. Through support groups, exercise classes and in-home consults with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, the Association connects people to the community and critical resources. Exercise classes, education, newsletters, and equipment loan services further empower people with Parkinson’s to thrive. Advocacy efforts empower, engage and connect people with Parkinson’s to use their voice and passion to enhance the care and services available for all people living with this disease. The Association celebrates people with Parkinson’s defining their disease rather than letting the disease define their lives. Learn more at www.parkinsonrockies.org.
The Parkinson Alliance is the umbrella organization for the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, the largest single-day community fundraising event, and Team Parkinson. We are dedicated to raising funds for research to end Parkinson’s disease, support the development of new therapies and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. The Parkinson Alliance also directly funds and conducts patient-centered outcomes research in its own right, focusing on both motor and non-motor symptoms, and other aspects of well-being such as resilience and coping skills. Together with the Parkinson’s Unity Walk and Team Parkinson, The Alliance has funded more than $30 million in research to date. Learn more at www.parkinsonalliance.org and www.unitywalk.org.
The University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration
The Center is founded on the philosophy that integrated, interdisciplinary care is the most effective approach for patients with movement disorders and disorders involving a group of circuits in the brain called the basal ganglia. The Center delivers motor, cognitive and behavioral diagnoses as well as various treatments all in one centralized location. Care is coordinated and provided by leading specialists from many advanced medical and surgical services.
A comprehensive resource for movement disorder information and the hub of movement disorder activities on the web.
ADAPTIVE PRODUCTS & DEVICES
EasierLiving has a host of products for people living with Parkinson's, from safety to dining and medication aids.
Liftware is a stabilizing handle with soup spoon, everyday spoon and fork attachments to make it easier for people with Parkinson's to enjoy meals.
NEATsheets are disposable napkins to protect from everyday food spills with easy-to-use adhesive tabs.
