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The source of this story is Mental Help Net: http://tinyurl.com/5k7q6 A Local Perspective on Parkinson's Disease (New Straits Times) Jul 15th 2004 IMAGINE being trapped or permanently confined to a small room, and not being able to walk, eat, or even smile. Now imagine that prison is your own body. This neurological disorder is called Parkinson's disease, where the loss of cells in the basal ganglia (cells involved with movement) of the brain leads to deterioration of physical ability. Then, movement becomes a problem, everything slows down, right to facial expressions. Stiffness and bodily tremors also occur. Occasionally, strange sensations in the body and depression are experienced. Some of the more famous personalities who suffer from this debilitating disease include actor Michael J. Fox and former world heavyweight boxing champion Mohammed Ali, both of whom try to spread awareness about the disease. Here, the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association attempts to aid those coping with the disease - patients and caregivers alike - by providing information and a venue for support groups. It has also come out with a book, Understanding Parkinson's Disease. Author Dr Chew Nee Kong, who is also the association's president, is a renowned consultant neurologist and lecturer with Universiti Malaysia. The book takes a local perspective of the disease. For instance, there is an entire chapter on suitable diets for patients, with recommended dishes that range from meehoon and wantan mee to thosai and other local cuisine. It also covers a wide aspect of the disease; the causes, symptoms, complications and treatment. They are presented via diagrams and simple explanations. The book also delves into alternative treatments (for instance, traditional remedies used to alleviate symptoms). Through case studies, Dr Chew highlights situations with which many patients would be familiar. Heartwarming personal accounts of those whose lives have been touched by Parkinson's further engage those who read them, giving a clear message of hope. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn