When David Cram, M.D. was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 54, he was at the peak of his medical career.  The disease forced him to retire early, sending him into a depression. However, to overcome the depression, he reached out to others—to both learn from them and teach them. His motivation to help other Parkinson’s patients led to his writing the first edition of Understanding Parkinson’s Disease—A Self-Help Guide.

An all-new, second edition of Understanding Parkinson’s Disease is just off the press (October 2009). For the new edition, Dr. Cram, has teamed with two well-known neurologists, Steven Schechter, M.D., of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Xiao Ke Gao, MD, of New York City. “I wanted to bring in the newest information, so having these two fine neurologists helped me produce the best book possible.”

It is estimated as many as 1.5 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive brain disorder caused by a deficiency of the chemical dopamine in the brain. Major symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and impaired coordination. The average age of onset is 57, however the disease can strike younger individuals as well.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. It is managed primarily with medications to restore dopamine levels. Other treatments for select individuals includes surgery and electrical stimulation to parts of the brain in order to diminish tremors.