Parkinson’s is an overlooked mental illness in our society. In the United States alone, 7500 people per month are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and these numbers are just behind Alzheimer’s. This gives you an idea about the seriousness of the issue and why it needs to be discussed in our society.
In the wake of the seriousness of the disease, Rory Graham, a former president of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) chapter, has created a comprehensive guide. The book is named “Diagnosis Parkinson’s Disease…Now What?” and it is a guide for both Parkinson’s patients as well as their caregivers.
Let’s take a look at how Rory Graham’s new book on Parkinson’s disease can promote awareness of the disease and help people manage its progression.
Showing People the Real Dangers of Parkinson’s
“Diagnosis Parkinson’s Disease…Now What?” is not a book that gives you false hope since there is no cure for it at this time. Instead, it clearly lays out what you may be dealing with. It helps the patients and caregivers acknowledge the diagnosis of the disease and tells them what they can do with its progression to ease the journey.
The book is essentially a guide that provides all the details about the disease’s early signs and major symptoms and how it progresses with age. It discusses how you or your loved ones should be aware of the physical and mental changes the body may experience with Parkinson’s.
Rory Graham shares that Parkinson’s is a painful disease, and it is tough to live with it. However, a person with Parkinson’s can live a happy life if the disease is managed well with proper therapy, diet, and support.
Details on Catching Parkinson’s Early & Risk Factors
Parkinson’s is a disease that begins to show its cruel signs after a person crosses 60. However, in some cases, it may occur to individuals in their twenties. No matter at which age it shows up, it can disorient the whole life of that individual and the family.
Rory Graham’s book shares some common early signs that everyone needs to know to catch the disease earlier. You will find information about how it will limit a person’s physical capabilities because of degeneration of the nervous system and how a person’s cognitive abilities may be challenged as well.
The book shares information about risk factors for Parkinson’s. Your genetics and family background may put you at risk of developing Parkinson’s, although it is just one possible factor. It is a disease that statistics show makes males more likely to develop the disease than females, and white people are at a higher risk of developing it.
Offering the Right Way to Deal with Parkinson’s Disease
Instead of giving caregivers and patients unreal hope, the guide illustrates many of the positive steps you can take to deal with Parkinson’s. Essentially, Graham lays out a complete plan for what changes the patients and their family members have to incorporate into their lives.
The author, who has experience dealing with a Parkinson’s patient himself, shares that diet remains one of the most important things for handling the progression of symptoms. The book shares information about how critical your diet can be for slowing down Parkinson’s. It introduces you to different types of diets that can be helpful for the patients. Among them, the Mediterranean diet, gluten-free diet, and ketogenic diet seem to be the most effective.
On the other hand, Graham also shared how vital physiotherapy and exercising can be for Parkinson’s patients. Graham shares his experiences of dealing with the condition of his wife and says that it became difficult to keep her pushing to fight the progression. However, as she started taking physical therapy, she experienced an improvement and a positive mindset.
While diet and physical therapy are the most important, Rory Graham says that it is the knowledge that offers you the best weapon against the disease. So, you need to learn as much as possible about Parkinson’s and gain insights into its symptoms. If you have a good understanding of the early signs and risk factors, you will be in a much better position to manage it.
Keep Pushing to Maintain a Better Quality of Life
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that keeps changing with time, and its symptoms continue to worsen over time. Basically, it is a war against your own body, where your mind wants the body to be physically fit, but your body does not seem to cooperate. So, if you, as a patient or caregiver, understand the disease and your options, it can help you establish and maintain a better quality of life every step of the way.
If you want to learn more about the disease and practical ways to deal with its progression, Rory Graham’s “Diagnosis Parkinson’s Disease…Now What?” can be a good start. It is a well-organized guide that provides helpful information regarding handling a Parkinson’s diagnosis as a patient or caregiver. It offers Graham’s own experiences and what worked for him as a caregiver to his wife for 23 years.
Rory Graham’s new book on Parkinson’s is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Graham’s personal website.