Book Review
PARKINSON'S DISEASE: MEDICATIONS by Jean Pinter Hubble and Richard C.
Berchou (NPF: 1999) 80 pps.
Don't be fooled by the pamphlet-like format of this little
treasure-trove of information. Written by an M.D. and a Pharm. D., this
collection of 8 ½ by 11 inch pages is every bit the equivalent of a book
and will take more than one sitting to read. The text consists of nine
chapters and six appendices. Though the format works well with forms,
such as the medications chart and Patient Diary, included in appendix;
it is not easier for those with dexterity problems to handle. Also some
of the decorative cartoon color illustrations provided by Athena detract
from the quality of the content of the text.
Each chapter focuses on an area of treatment beginning with
Phamacotherapy. The layperson who hasn't memorized drug classifications
may have to backtrack from some of the later chapters to know just which
pills were dopaminergic and which antidepressants were tricyclic. But
that's no problem -- each chapter is clearly written and well organized
using easy-to-find lists and red headings. Thumbing through the pages
is no problem (unless your lap is smaller than a foot square.)
Other chapter topics include neuroprotection, mood and cognition, sleep
disorders, new drugs, even a brief discussion of alternative medicine.
Appendices include contraindicated drugs, a formula for liquid sinemet
and patient care planning tools.
Written in a reader-friendly style, this book seems to hold the answers
to all those questions we forgot to ask and that our doctors might not
have time to answer. Get a copy of this book free from NPF, ASAP (As
Soon As Possible -- sorry, I couldn't resist). Get a copy for your
doctors, your families, and your friends too!. You're not going to want
to give your copy away - it is too valuable as a reference tool for now
and in the future.
The author of this review has an MLS from Clarion University and was
diagnosed PWP in 1991 at age 40. She wishes to express deepest
gratitude to the authors, and be first in line for the new SIB-1508
mentioned (p.57) when it's approved.
