I received a free copy of this book from librarything in exchange for my honest feedback.

I chose to enter the giveaway of this book because I do not know much about Parkinson's Disease. Hopefully I will never have to get up close and personal with it - but I wanted to have at least some basic knowledge/insights into this peculiar state of being...

This book scared me - to be honest. There are a lot of things that I did not even begin to consider ... Lots of things to think about (for better or worse...).

When I received my review copy of “Making the Connection Between Brain & Behavior; Coping With Parkinson’s Disease (2nd Ed.)” by Joseph H. Friedman, M.D. from LibraryThing, I vowed to read it with alacrity so I could dispense new findings on this horrible disease as quickly as possible. Alas, life got in my way and, later, so did the book itself.

This is not necessarily the fault of the author. It was my expectations. My father died of Parkinson’s in 2000 and his decline still haunts me. I had assumed that, since then, new treatments and breakthroughs have arisen that are paving a reliable highway and giving future victims even further hope. This does not seem to be the case.

This book serves better as a summation and cross-reference for practicing physicians of what is already known about the disease rather that a tome of hope for those suffering from Parkinson’s or those that care for them. And that was probably its objective.

For the lay reader, the six brief appendixes at the end of book provide more assessable/readable information than the preceding 18 chapters.

I was also disappointed that no space was devoted to the possible causes of Parkinson’s. Could it be pesticides, hard water…??? Yet, to be fair, nowhere was it promoted that the book would explore that angle.

By all means, read the book. But do so without pre-conceptions. ( )

The subtitle of this book is "Coping with Parkinson's Disease." Since my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's about eight years ago, I was happy to win the book from LibraryThing. The cover blurb by Dr. Hubert H. Fernandez of the Cleveland Clinic says, "A must-read for all whose lives are touched by this illness." I can agree with that.

This is a kind of basic guidebook for patients and caregivers that comes in handy because you never remember everything your neurologist tells you, and of course the doctor's time is limited. There is a glossary in back as well for terms you might be unfamiliar with. Since I was a medical transcriptionist, you would think I'd have no use for it, but I do. I've forgotten some things since I retired, but also there are always new terms coming up and new findings about this disease.

Dr. Friedman updated the text for this second edition of the book so it is nearly up to date in its valuable information. The chapters focus on symptoms such as fatigue, apathy, anxiety, sleep, driving, and many other problems we face. Not only does he describe these problems but also explains what medications or other treatments have been tried, whether they worked, and what the patient and caregiver can do for themselves. I found this very helpful.

One topic I was thankful to read about was what to do if you need to go to the hospital. He reminds us that most doctors and nurses at hospitals aren't too well versed in how to care for Parkinson's patients so the caregiver needs to be firm about medication schedules and other needs to prevent big problems, even going so far as to have them call your neurologist to confirm what you're telling them. Patients have been treated for stroke simply because the E.R. staff didn't recognize Parkinson's symptoms for what they really are. This is important.

I will keep this book handy as years go by. We frequently have questions that we can easily answer with Dr. Friedman's book rather than wait for the next appointment with the neurologist.

Highly recommended for PD patients and caregivers
Source: LibraryThing win ( )

To be honest, when I requested this book from the publisher, I didn’t notice the subtitle, ‘Coping With Parkinson’s’ Disease’. And when I received it I initially thought, because it wasn’t what I expected, I wouldn’t find it interesting. Wrong. I’s fascinating!

I had no idea there were so many encompassing symptoms of this disease. I was mainly aware of the physical signs (tremors, stooping, trouble walking/moving.) But PD involves a myriad of behavioral issues as well (dementia, sleep disorders, etc.)

This book isn’t a textbook with difficult passages only a physician would understand. It flows nicely, and, as the author stated, doesn’t have to be read in order. Just pick and choose the chapters that pertain to your situation or interest.

I recommend this for caregivers or loved one’s of those afflicted with this disease, as well as those who, as I, find the brain a captivating study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy free from the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 ( )

I am glad I read this book, but I wish I hadn't. In the beginning of the very first chapter Dr. Friedman describes a behavior (REM Sleep Activity) that describes me perfectly - and then states that only people with Parkinson's Disease experience this.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about.

So, I read this book with far more attention than I otherwise would have. His discussions of the treatment of PD, its associations with other disorders and ailments, and the problems PD sufferers experience, were all interesting and accessible to the lay person. He provides interesting examples, present material with a sense of humor in places, but, above all, passes on information that is important to understand the nature of PD.

I don't know if I have PD, but I do have an appointment with a neurologist.

I'll keep you informed. ( )