Optimal Health with Parkinson's Disease
A Guide to Integreating Lifestyle, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine
Optimal Health with Parkinson's Disease
A Guide to Integreating Lifestyle, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine
For many with Parkinson's disease, adding complementary, alternative, and lifestyle therapies to a care plan can result in symptom relief and a higher quality of life without compromising conventional treatment. Written by a board-certified neurologist and expert in mind-body medicine, Optimal Health with Parkinson's Disease provides a thorough and up-to-date guide to a variety of therapies so that you and your health care team can make informed decisions to help you achieve optimal health.
- Learn the benefits of a holistic approach
- Find effective, low risk therapies for symptom relief such as tremor, muscle rigidity, depression, constipation, and insomnia
- Understand the pros and cons of popular diet and exercise approaches
- Determine which integrative therapies are best for you
- Personalize your treatment plan to help meet your goals
Dr. Giroux shares her experience and insights after many years of listening to the challenges faced day-to-day by her patients with neurological disorders. She combines her conventional medical training with mindfulness practice and integrative medical philosophy to provide a unique healing approach that empowers patients for optimal living. This excellent guide fully explains the value of this integrative approach, even when one is dealing with complex, chronic disease. I recommend it as a must-have for anyone living with Parkinson's disease.
Andrew Weil, MD, author of Healthy Aging And 8 Weeks to Health
Navigating Parkinson's diagnosis, progression, and care is challenging. Dr. Monique Giroux provides a roadmap not only of the therapeutic options - medicinal and complementary - but also of the perspective that patients and their loved ones can use to live their best life with Parkinson's disease.
Todd Sherer, CEO, The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
If you or someone you love has Parkinson's disease, this book will become an essential resource. Dr. Giroux uses her vast clinical experience and encouraging philosophy to guide you to evidence-based integrative approaches that can help you thrive.
Victoria Maizes MD, Executive Director, University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Professor of Medicine, Family Medicine, and Public Health
Contents
Introduction
How to Personalize Your Care
Part I: General Overview
1. Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
How Does PD Progress?
What Causes PD?
2. Treating Parkinson’s Disease
Medical Therapies
Surgical Therapies
The Role of Integrative Medicine and Different Models of Care
Integrative Therapies
3. Scientific Evidence for a Holistic and Integrative Approach
Placebo Effect and Its Importance to Integrative Medicine
Stress, Health, and Illness
Cellular Healing
Neuroprotection and Neuroplasticity
Practical Considerations
Part II: General Health and Lifestyle Medicine
4. Healthy Aging
Cardiac Health
Stroke Prevention
Dementia and Cognitive Health
Balance and Walking
GI Health
Skin, Bone, and Dental Health
5. Lifestyle Medicine
Weight Management
Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Exercise
Nutrition
Stress Management
Television
Sleep
Passion and Creativity
Part III: Integrative Therapies
6. Biological Therapies
Vitamins and Minerals
Antioxidants
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Bioenergetics
Immuno- and Neuromodulators
Neurochemicals and Amino Acids
Botanicals
7. Body Therapy
Chiropractic Manipulation
Craniosacral Therapy
Feldenkrais Method® and Alexander Technique®
Massage
Music Therapy
Tai Chi and Qigong
Yoga and Therapeutic Yoga
8. Mind-Body
Biofeedback
Breathwork
Guided Imagery
Hypnosis
Meditation and Mindfulness
9. Energy and Sensory Medicine
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Healing or Therapeutic Touch
Light Therapy
Magnet Therapy
Reiki
Whole Body Vibration Therapy
10. Community, Spirituality, Expressive, and Experiential Healing
Animal Therapy and Service Dogs
Journaling and Gratitude
Music and Art Therapy
Nature or Ecotherapy
Spiritual Healing and Prayer
Support and Support Groups
Volunteerism
11. Whole System Approaches
Ayurvedic Medicine
Homeopathy
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Part IV: Symptom Relief
12. Therapies for Motor Symptoms
Bradykinesia and Rigidity
Dyskinesia
Tremor
Walking, Balance, and Freezing of Gait
13. Therapies for Non-Motor Symptoms
Anxiety
Apathy
Cognitive Decline
Constipation
Depression
Fatigue and Sedation
Nausea
Orthostatic Hypotension (Dizziness)
Pain
Restless Legs Syndrome
Sleep Problems
Urinary Problems
Part V: Personalize Your Care
Organizing, Creating, and Sustaining Your Plan
Assembling Your Integrative Team
General Health Tools
Lifestyle Tools
Resources
Acknowledgments
Index