If you put Parkinson’s Disease into the Amazon.com search box, you will find over 6000 results!  Here are a few books that I have read along with a short review. Clicking on the link will take you to the Amazon.com page for that book where you can read a more in depth description and more reviews.

The Promise of Lithium 

Thomas Guttuso Jr MD

Dr Guttuso is a Movement Disorder Specialist in Buffalo NY and has authored an extremely interesting book about the benefits of over the counter lithium supplements for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.  The book is well researched and certainly makes a strong case for taking low dose lithium for PD.  Dr Guttuso has a small clinical trial going to support his research.

Parkinson’s and the B1 Therapy

Daphne Bryan, Phd

Daphne has successfully slowed the progression of her PD for over seven years following the High-Dose Thiamine (B1) Therapy Protocol developed and used by Dr Costantini, a neurologist in Italy.  Her book covers what B1 therapy is, why it can be successful, and how to use the therapy.   She covers how she successfully implemented the protocol and the problem of finding the right dose.  Recommended reading if you are considering the B1 Protocol.

The New Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Book  

Authored by J. ERIC AHLSKOG, PHD, MD .  Dr Ahlskog is a well known neurologist and movement disorder specialist who practices at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN.  This is the second edition of this excellent book.  He does a superb job explaining pd and the related issues and discusses what has worked for his patients and why.   Highly recommended!

Ending Parkinson’s Disease, A Prescription for Action

Co Authored by Ray Dorsey, MD, Todd  Sherer, PHD, Michael Okun, MD and Bastiaan Bloem, MD , PHD.  See my review of the book here.

The Peripatetic Pursuit of Parkinson Disease
Authored by The Parkinson’s Creative Collective –  a group of unpaid volunteer patients from nine states including Peggy Willocks from Tennessee.

This collection of articles by PD patients provides a wealth of information for dealing with the roadblocks that PD tries to throw at
us. Other reviewers have called it a support group between two covers for PwP’s and a window into living with PD for everyone else.  Well written and illustrated, divided into 8 sections, you will find it a great resource no matter when you were diagnosed.

Everybody Has a Window and Aisle Seat: Choosing a Positive Approach to Parkinson’s Disease by Mary Huston McLendon of Franklin, TN

As the title suggests, this books urges PD patients to take the window seat and focus out the window at the opportunities we are presented with, not sitting in the middle dwelling on the negative.  Mary was diagnosed 20 years ago and the book includes sdmany examples from her journey with PD. An uplifting book focusing on being positive no matter what.

Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life  and
10 Breakthrough Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease
both by Dr Michael Okun MD, Head of the University of Florida Movement Disorders Clinic and Medical Director for the National Parkinson’s
Foundation.

Both of Dr. Okun’s books provide a positive approach to living with PD.  His team approach to PD care is the topic in the first book
while the follow up book recently published covers the new and upcoming therapies for treatment of PD.  Both books are well written and I often recommend them when contacted by newly diagnosed PwP’s. (We have been to the UF Movement Disorders Clinic and you can
read a blog post about the visit here.)

Brainstorms: The Race to Unlock the Mysteries of Parkinson’s Disease by Jon Palferman

This book begins with the discovery of PD and goes on to detail the quest to find a cure. In addition to a concise history of the disease it also contains valuable insights from the author and his journey with PD. This is a well written book about the science of PD and the status of PD research by an Emmy, dupont and Peabody Award winning journalist.

Lucky Man: A Memoir by Michael J Fox

I recently heard it mentioned that being diagnosed with PD turned Michael J Fox into a writer.  This memoir covers his career and his the impact of being diagnosed with PD.  Open and honest, he details how he first attempted to hide the symptoms and ends discussing how he is a better and happier person since announcing the diagnosis.

Shake, Rattle and Roll with It – Living and Laughing with Parkinson’s by Vikki Claflin

This is a laugh out loud book and a fun read.  The book chronicles some of the funny adventures Vikki has had since her diagnosis (I’m guessing you will relate to at least one or more of her stories). Her ‘make lemonade’ approach when life hands you lemons is just the attitude needed to fight PD.  Vikki also blogs at Laugh Lines.