{"product_id":"2940012542892","title":"Medifocus Guidebook on: Parkinson's Disease","description":"The MediFocus Guidebook on Parkinson's Disease is the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including risk factors of Parkinson's Disease, standard and alternative treatment options, leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Parkinson's Disease, results of the latest clinical trials, support groups and additional resources, and promising new treatments on the horizon. This one of a kind Guidebook offers answers to your critical health questions including the latest treatments, clinical trials, and expert research; high quality, professional level information you can trust and understand culled from the latest peer-reviewed journals; and a unique resource to find leading experts, institutions, and support organizations including contact information and hyperlinks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParkinson's Disease is a slowly progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, muscle control and balance. Although the exact cause of Parkinson's Disease is unknown, research has concentrated on genetics, environmental toxins, endogenous toxins and viral infection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Parkinson's, cells are destroyed in part of the brain stem - the substantia nigra, which sends out fibers to the corpus stratia, gray and white bands of tissue in both sides of the brain. Cells there release dopamine, one of three major neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) which help the body respond to stress. By the time symptoms develop, patients have lost 80 to 90 percent of their dopamine-producing cells.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSymptoms include tremors, slowed movement and postural instability. Other features include rigidity, flexed posture, freezing phenomenon and loss of postural reflexes. Patients can experience depression, sleep disturbances, dizziness and problems with speech, swallowing and sexual functioning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSince medications and other conditions can cause Parkinson's-like neurologic symptoms, diagnosis is critical and misdiagnosis is frequent. Medical science lacks an accurate blood or imaging diagnostic test for Parkinson's, though tests can exclude other conditions. Diagnosis is based on an evaluation of symptoms best accomplished by a Parkinson's specialist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe progression of the disease varies from individual to individual, so treatment is also individualized. Treatment focuses on relieving disabilities while minimizing side effects of medications. While there is no cure, therapies can minimize symptoms and maximize function and quality of life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe usual treatment is a combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet). Levodopa, which treats neurochemical abnormality, revolutionized treatment. However, over the years, its effectiveness can decline and its side effects, such as motor complications, can increase. Adjusted dosage can help but additional medications may be required. Because of levodopa's complexities, young people with Parkinson's often start with other treatments, reserving levodopa for later in the disease. Patients have other treatment options, including surgery. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is also being studied.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParkinson's can impair quality and length of life, so its diagnosis and symptoms can devastate an individual and family, and patients often face depression. However, excellent physical therapies, and educational and support resources are available. Research is steadily improving quality of life and symptom control.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLearn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Parkinson's Disease, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e    * What are the risk factors of Parkinson's Disease?\u003cbr\u003e    * What standard and alternative treatment options are available?\u003cbr\u003e    * Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Parkinson's Disease research and treatment?\u003cbr\u003e    * What are the results of the latest clinical trials?\u003cbr\u003e    * Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?\u003cbr\u003e    * What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. This Guidebook was updated on September 14, 2010.","brand":"Medifocus.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47145422455024,"sku":"2940012542892","price":19.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940012542892_p0.jpg?v=1763569813","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940012542892","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}