Parkinson’s disease in focus

OVERALL RATING Excellent

STRENGTHS Easy to read, useful figures and illustrations, well organized

WEAKNESSES None

AUDIENCE Physicians and pharmacists

Our understanding of Parkinson disease changes periodically. New discoveries are constantly being published in the medical literature, not only on clinical aspects of the disease but also regarding treatments. These treatments include pharmacotherapy and nondrug therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, surgery, and complementary and alternative practices. For clinicians, up-to-date information is often required; this book is timely and offers all that is required to catch up on these aspects of Parkinson disease. The disease is covered from basic science to clinical concepts (ie, identification, evaluation, and treatment).

The author is a highly qualified pharmacist in neurology in London, England. His book begins with descriptions of clinical aspects of Parkinson disease (ie, signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and investigations) and is followed by chapters on known therapeutic approaches. The chapters are short and readable. The book is enriched by pictures and figures that very elegantly illustrate an already very well-written text. Clinical guidelines are nicely presented at the end of the book. Useful appendices that summarize drug side effects and interactions can be found at the end.

Parkinson’s Disease in Focus is easy to read and its content is readily accessible. The information is straightforward—after reading this book, health professionals will have the impression they are well informed about Parkinson disease. They will certainly be more equipped to encounter patients with the disease. As future literature on the subject is published and new notions acquired, it will become easier for any reader to build upon the information provided by this work. It is a book of value for both medical doctors and pharmacists, and it is certainly one of the best overviews available at this time.

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