The fundamental guide to the most effective treatments for Parkinson's Disease, from a Mayo Clinic doctor with thirty years of clinical and research experience. In this second edition follow-up to the extremely successful first edition, Dr. Ahlskog draws on thirty years of clinical experience to present the definitive guide to dealing with all aspects of Parkinson's Disease, from treatment options and side effects to the impact of the disease on caregivers and family. Dr. Ahlskog's goal is to educate patients so that they can better team up with their doctors to do battle with the disease, streamlining the decision-making process and enhancing their treatment. To do this, Dr. Ahlskog offers a gold mine of information, distilled from his years of experience treating people with Parkinson's at the Mayo Clinic. In addition to providing a comprehensive account of Parkinson's medications, this book also examines additional aspects of treatment, such as the role of nutrition, exercise, and physical therapy. Although many commendable texts have been written on the subject of Parkinson's Disease, their discussions of treatment have not been in depth. Dr. Ahlskog sifts through aspects of the disease in order to give the reader a comprehensive sense of Parkinson's and the best available treatment options. With a broader understanding of the disease and the available options, patients are able to make more informed choices, and doctors are able to provide more tailored care. This book delivers hopeful, helpful, and extensive information to all parties concerned: patients, caregivers, and doctors. The ultimate guide to symptoms and treatment, this thoroughly updated second edition is the first place patients should turn for reliable, easy-to-grasp information on Parkinson's Disease. "Dr. Ahlskog has again produced a uniquely informative, focused, and readable treatise on Parkinson's disease. Unlike many other guides for Parkinson's patients, this one doesn't attempt to present the entire confusing universe of disparate management options, but rather presents the well-informed opinions of a single seasoned and highly respected practitioner. Virtually every rational question that a patient might pose is addressed here using scientifically correct, but eminently understandable language. Parkinson's disease patients, their care-givers, and their physicians will all benefit from this treasure trove of clinical wisdom." -Robert Rodnitzky, MD, Director of the Division of Movement Disorders, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine "Dr. Eric Ahlskog from the Mayo Clinic is the leading authority on Parkinson's disease. With over thirty years of experience treating Parkinson's disease patients, Dr. Ahlskog shares his expertise on treating all of the possible symptoms that a patient may encounter in the different stages of PD. His advice is direct and understandable. Patients and caregivers will turn to this book again and again over the years to answer their questions and use the information to better partner with their healthcare providers in achieving the best possible outcome. I will recommend this book to all of my patients as the main source for learning about the disease and the available treatment options." -Kevin J. Klos, MD, Movement Disorder Clinic of Oklahoma "Hundreds of questions will arise during the course of Parkinson's disease regarding diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options. Dr. Ahlskog draws on his decades of neurological practice to lay out information that answers just about all of these questions. Information is power, and the well-informed patient is in the best position to navigate this condition. The book can be read cover to cover, or the reader can turn to the topic of interest and find explanations delivered in a conversational style. Many of my patients use the first edition as a guide, and are eagerly awaiting this updated version." -Padraig O'Suilleabhain, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center "Dr. Ahlskog has written a go-to text: straight forward, down-to-earth, and eminently readable. With his PhD focused on pharmacology, and his many years of research and clinical experience as a neurologist and a director of the Mayo Clinic's PD program, there is no one I trust more than Eric. Unlike others in the field, he has never compromised himself to the fashion of the day. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to professionals, patients, and their families." -Bradley C. Hiner, MD, Professor of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin and Neurologic Director, Deep Brain Stimulation Program "This is a valuable resource for anyone affected by Parkinson's disease. Written by an expert clinician and researcher who has been working with Parkinson's disease for over 30 years, this is a reliable and easy to use guide that enables patients and their families to make informed decisions necessary for dealing with this complex di