Shaking Up Parkinson Disease:  Fighting Like A Tiger, Thinking Like A Fox
It is estimated that 1.2 million people in North American have Parkinson's disease (PD), including actor Michael J. Fox. Lieberman, the national medical director of the National Parkinson Foundation, has written a sympathetic book aimed at answering the questions posed by patients and families dealing with this dreadful disease. He covers anatomy and chemistry changes, diagnostic tests, the autonomic nervous system, and how PD affects the body and the mind. Especially good is the section on anxiety and depression as a biological rather than a psychological symptom of the disease. Lieberman explains PD symptoms, considering why they occur, what can be done medically to treat them, and steps the patient can take to alleviate them. He also details the drugs and surgery used to treat the disease and lists disorders that can mimic PD. Finally, Lieberman offers questionnaires that will help patients measure personal mobility, emotion, quality of life, and more. Though some readers may find the religious quotes off-putting, this book's readability and concrete tips make it better than William Weiner's Parkinson's Disease (LJ 5/15/01). An excellent addition to consumer health collections. Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FLCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.