Includes index.

Introduction. You are not alone ; About this book and how to use it -- What is it? Why me? What is it? ; What causes Parkinson disease? ; What are the stages of the disease? ; Who gets the disease? Why me? ; Is there help? ; The outlook for Parkinson's patients -- The motor symptoms. Tremor ; Bradykinesia ; Rigidity ; Loss of balance, freezing, and falling ; Other motor symptoms ; Motor symptoms that may occur as a complication of treatment -- The non-motor symptoms. Sensory symptoms ; Cognitive symptoms ; Emotional and psychiatric problems ; Sleep ; Autonomic nervous system dysfunction ; Skin problems -- Diagnosis. Making and verifying the diagnosis ; The role of the neurologist and the medical team ; Frequently asked questions regarding diagnosis and assembling a team of experts -- How will my life change? Reacting to the diagnosis ; Seeking more information ; Frequently asked questions about how to deal with the diagnosis of Parkinson disease ; The next step -- Disease management : general principles, medications, and surgery. What are our weapons in treating Parkinson disease? ; What if I don't want to start medications right away? ; Medications ; Brain surgery for Parkinson disease -- Disease management : rehabilitation therapy, assistive devices, and adaptive equipment. Physical therapy ; Occupational therapy ; Speech therapy ; Assistive devices and adaptive equipment -- Disease management : specific symptoms. Managing tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity ; Managing balance challenges and freezing of gait ; Managing weakness and fatigue ; Managing dyskinesia, dystonia, and wearing off ; Managing excessive salivation, drooling, and thick secretions ; Managing swallowing problems ; Managing vision problems ; Managing difficulties with bladder control ; Dealing with loss of mobility in the advanced stages ; Dealing with mild cognitive symptoms ; Managing confusion, hallucinations, and dementia ; Dealing with apathy, depression, impulsivity, and anxiety ; Managing sleep changes in Parkinson disease ; Managing orthostatic hypotension ; Weight loss ; Keeping skin in shape ; Hospitalization ; Elective surgery ; Medications to avoid -- Lifestyle changes and disease management. The importance of exercise ; Leisure activities ; Stress management ; Driving ; Using complementary therapies ; Spirituality ; Travel ; The power of music and dance ; Getting involved in the Parkinson's community -- Research. Why should I consider participating in research? ; What kinds of research studies may be open to a person with Parkinson disease? ; Informed consent ; Where can I learn more? -- The care partner. Coping with caregiver stress and fatigue ; Planning for the future ; A caregiver's story : Marilyn ; A caregiver's story : Rich -- Community involvement, advocacy, and resources. A passion for advocacy ; A passion for the arts and helping others ; Find out more -- Planning for your future : managing your personal affairs. Your emergency notebook ; Informal and formal arrangements ; Durable power of attorney ; Trusts ; Health care directives ; Guardianship and conservatorship ; Your will.