Book Review
The Consumer Connection
Medical Library Association
January 2017
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Self-Help Guide, 3rd edition
Steven Schechter, M.D. & David, Cram, M.D.
Addicus Books, Inc.- 2017- 156 p.
This book is one of several consumer health titles from Addicus Books. The publisher offers an impressive assortment of titles in addition to this one.
The authors are physicians. Schechter is a neurologist affiliated with Beaumont Health System in Michigan. Cram, now deceased, was a dermatologist and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patient who also wrote the first and second editions of this book. The advance reading copy of this book includes 9 chapters that cover the experience of Parkinson’s, from diagnosis, through drug treatment, surgery, and exercise. The book is rounded out by chapters about coping and caregiver self-care. These last 2 chapters also include concise tips about dressing, grooming, nutrition, eating, and medical decision-making.
A glossary, list of resources, and index are available (the index was not final for the advance reading copy). The title page verso includes a disclaimer that the book is not intended to supplant the advice of an attending physician.
The writing is readable and encouraging, but not unprofessional. Readability Score.com gives a random passage an average grade level of 10.8. Illustrations appear to be stock photographs or simple drawings. The text uses checklists, bullet lists, and other efforts to use white space effectively, while still presenting substantive information about PD.
A quick search of WorldCat shows this is one of several titles to address this topic. What distinguishes this book is authorship by practicing physicians, and for that reason, the book has an edge over other texts, some of which may be patient narratives of living with Parkinson’s. Books like this fill the niche to provide valuable information for patients for whom PD is a new diagnosis.
This book could help “fill in the gaps” between doctor visits, or provide a structure for non-caregivers to learn about PD. However, families and patients who have been living with PD for years may already know much of this information. Depending on collection development policies, this title would be a nice addition to an academic collection, consumer health collection, or a public library collection.
Reviewed by: Will Olmstadt, Health Sciences Library, LSU Health Shreveport
REVIEWS
Book Review
The Consumer Connection
Medical Library Association
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Self-Help Guide 2nd Edition
David L. Cram, Steven H. Schechter, and Xiao-Ke Gao
Addicus 2009, 176 p. index, glossary
ISBN 978-1-886039-00-1 $19.95
With this short, basic guide for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers, the authors – a dermatologist diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself and two neurologists, one trained in neuropsychopharmacology – present a reassuring but realistic approach to dealing with the disease. While not an easy reading level, the chapters are brief and laid out with bullet points and explanations of complicated terms such that even those still weathering the shock of a new diagnosis might follow it easily. All aspects of the disease are covered, from an overview of the disease pathology to the emotional aspects of this life changing diagnosis for patient and caregiver, as well as practical advice on lifestyle changes to prevent, decrease or accommodate the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s. An excellent chapter on drug treatment and Parkinson’s, including interactions with other drugs or foods, is worth the price of the book in itself. Some illustrations to break up the text and demonstrate some key points (e.g., exercises or lifting techniques for caregivers) would have improved the work. However, concluding with a thorough glossary of terminology as well as a helpful list of resources, Understanding Parkinson’s Disease is generally a helpful and compassionate guide that will be particularly useful for the newly diagnosed.
Kay Hogan Smith, MLS, AHIP
UAB Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences
Birmingham, AL
Book Review
Publisher’s Weekly
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Self-Help Guide 1st Edition
David L. Cram shares his experience and support with others in Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Self-Help Guide. The former dermatologist, who was diagnosed in 1991, stresses that more is being learned all the time about ways to lessen the symptoms and keep the progress of this brain disease in check for much longer periods of time. Cram outlines sources for help and support.
June 7, 1999
Kirkus
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Self-Help Guide 1st Edition
David L. Cram
A simple, sympathetic guide to coping with a progressive, disabling brain disorder. Physician Cram was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease ten years ago. Here he matches his personal experience with his experiences treating other patients with the disease, the result is real hope for good health. Cram is a firm believer in four elements to self-help: a positive attitude, information about the disease; partnership with a knowledgeable physician, and a willingness to take action, to do the things that make you feel better, help slow the disability, and keep you as independent as possible for as long as possible.”
Thus, he first explains the disease: its hallmarks are trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; stiffness and rigidity of the limbs and torso; slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination. There are other possible symptoms, from depression to changes in speech. Cram goes on to explain the overall progression of the disease through five stages. The hope he offers is that early self-help and medication may delay or even prevent the later stages. He looks at length at emotional considerations, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle needs, as well as present and possible future medical treatments. Cram also is careful to include practical help and encouragement for caregivers. Kind, practical, and thorough, a valuable starting point.
Booklist
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Self-Help Guide 1st Edition
David L. Cram, M.D.
July 1999. 184p.
Dermatologist Cram has lived with Parkinson’s disease (PD) for 10 years. He decided to write this book partly because he felt his restlessness and lack of outside interests were nearly driving his wife crazy. So doing, he produced a work doubly valuable, for it presents both a clinician’s and a patient’s attitudes and knowledge. He describes the five stages of PD and what is known about its causes, which is practically nothing. Diagnosis is difficult, and Cram stresses the importance of second and even third opinions. “Self-help,” he points out, “comes with responsibilities.” One should learn all one can about PD, its development, and its widely variable effects and course. Although some helpful information can be found on the Internet, Cram cautions that much that is useless and misleading is there, too. He discusses many pertinent drugs in detail; offers much practical advice about such everyday things affected by PD as speech, swallowing, exercise, and attitudes; and urges people to ask for help without shyness or embarrassment.
(Reviewed July 1999)—William Beatty
