Parkinson’s Books

Understanding Parkinson’s: Essential Reads for Patients & Caregivers

A new case of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is diagnosed every nine minutes, affecting not just those with the condition but also their families and caregivers. This curated collection of books offers valuable insights and support for navigating life with PD.

  • Who These Books Are For: People living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, family members, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the disease.
  • Why These Books Matter: They provide expert guidance on managing symptoms, treatments, and the emotional and practical challenges of Parkinson’s.
  • What You’ll Find Inside: Advice on medications, therapies, exercise, nutrition, coping strategies, financial planning, and the emotional journey of living with or caring for someone with PD.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, adjusting to a caregiving role, or looking for ways to enhance daily life, these resources offer knowledge, support, and hope.
 

  • A Son’s Journey: From Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate
    Author: Dr. George Matthew Ackerman
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
    A heartfelt memoir of a son’s experience caring for his father with Parkinson’s. Dr. Ackerman shares personal stories, caregiving insights, and his path to advocacy.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • A Parkinson’s Primer: An Indispensable Guide to Parkinson’s Disease for Patients and Their Families
    Author: John M. Vine
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.6/5)
    A straightforward, easy-to-understand guide that helps patients and families navigate life with Parkinson’s. Vine shares practical advice, personal experiences, and essential information on symptoms, treatments, and daily living strategies.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • The Stranger Comes at Sundown: Living & Dying with Parkinson’s Disease
    Author: Jane Kriete Awalt
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.2/5)
    A deeply moving personal account of living with Parkinson’s, offering reflections on resilience, loss, and the challenges of facing a progressive illness with grace and courage.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • The Comfort of Home for Parkinson Disease: A Guide for Caregivers
    Author: Maria M. Meyer
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.2/5)
    A practical, step-by-step guide to providing care at home for someone with Parkinson’s. Covers daily challenges, safety tips, emotional support, and long-term planning for caregivers.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • The First Year – Parkinson’s Disease: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
    Authors: Jackie Hunt Christensen & Dr. Paul Tuite
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.3/5)
    A reassuring and informative guide designed to help newly diagnosed patients navigate their first year with Parkinson’s, covering symptoms, treatments, lifestyle changes, and emotional well-being.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Parkinson’s Disease and the Family: A New Guide (Harvard University Press Family Health Guides)
    Authors: Elaine Richman, Ph.D., & Nutan Sharma, M.D.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
    A compassionate resource focused on the impact of Parkinson’s on families. Offers expert medical insights, coping strategies, and advice for maintaining quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Parkinson’s Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
    Authors: William J. Weiner, Lisa M. Shulman, & Anthony E. Lang
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.4/5)
    A comprehensive guide covering all aspects of Parkinson’s disease, from diagnosis to treatment options and daily management. Written by leading experts, this book provides trusted medical information in an accessible format.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • The Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Book: Partnering With Your Doctor to Get the Most From Your Medications
    Author: J. Eric Ahlskog, Ph.D., M.D.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.6/5)
    A detailed guide to understanding Parkinson’s treatments, helping patients and caregivers work effectively with doctors to optimize medication management and improve quality of life.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • HOPE: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson’s People
    Author: Hal Newsom
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.3/5)
    A positive and practical guide that explores four essential areas—health, outlook, people, and engagement—to help those with Parkinson’s lead a fulfilling life.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Parkinson’s Disease & the Art of Moving
    Author: John Argue
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.4/5)
    A unique approach to movement therapy, using exercises based on drama, dance, and martial arts to help Parkinson’s patients improve balance, flexibility, and coordination.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Lucky Man
    Author: Michael J. Fox
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.6/5)
    A candid and inspiring memoir by the beloved actor, sharing his journey with Parkinson’s, his struggles and triumphs, and how the diagnosis led him to advocacy and a greater sense of purpose.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Caring for the Parkinson Patient: A Practical Guide
    Editors: J. Thomas Hutton, Raye Lynne Dippel, & Nathan Slewett
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.0/5)
    A comprehensive resource for caregivers, providing practical advice on managing daily care, understanding symptoms, and improving quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center 100 Questions & Answers About Parkinson’s Disease (Second Edition)
    Author: Abraham Lieberman, M.D.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.7/5)
    A clear and accessible guide answering the most common questions about Parkinson’s, covering symptoms, treatments, and coping strategies with expert insights from a leading specialist.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Take Charge of Parkinson’s Disease: Dynamic Lifestyle Changes to Put YOU in the Driver’s Seat (2nd Edition)
    Author: Anne Cutter Mikkelsen with Carolyn Stinson
    An empowering guide that encourages proactive lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and emotional well-being, to help individuals with Parkinson’s take control of their health.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • It Never Stops Taking: Parkinson’s – The Undefeated
    Author: Barry W. Lowe
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
    A raw and powerful memoir about living with Parkinson’s, exploring the ongoing challenges the disease presents while highlighting resilience, determination, and the will to keep moving forward.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Most of Me: Surviving My Medical Meltdown
    Author: Robyn Michele Levy
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.2/5)
    A candid, humorous, and heartfelt memoir about the author’s simultaneous diagnoses of Parkinson’s and breast cancer, offering an inspiring look at survival, self-discovery, and the power of humor in the face of adversity.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Ultimate Parkinson’s Tips to Walk Faster, Stand Up, Unfreeze, Turn in Bed, and More
    Author: Graham O’Connor
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
    A practical and easy-to-follow guide filled with expert techniques to help people with Parkinson’s overcome mobility challenges and improve independence in daily life.
    📖 View on Amazon

Books by Contributors to this Website/Forum

  • Caring with Courage and Compassion
    Author: Susan Hamburger
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
    📖 Copies of the book are available from the Parkinson Foundation – National Capital Area. The book price is $15.00 plus $4.00 for shipping and handling. To order, call (703) 287-8729 or e-mail at pfnca@parkinsonfoundation.org
  • Imperfect Endings: A Daughter’s Tale of Life and Death
    Author: Zoe FitzGerald Carter
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.1/5)
    A poignant memoir exploring the emotional journey of a daughter facing her mother’s decision to end her life due to Parkinson’s, offering a deeply personal perspective on love, loss, and choice.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Love, Dignity, and Parkinson’s: From Care Partner to Caregiver
    Author: Terrie Pease, Ph.D.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.8/5)
    A compassionate and practical guide that explores the evolving role of a Parkinson’s caregiver, providing emotional support, coping strategies, and advice for maintaining dignity and connection.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life
    Author: Michael S. Okun, M.D.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.3/5)
    A practical and uplifting guide offering expert advice on improving daily life with Parkinson’s, focusing on strategies for better treatment, mindset, and overall well-being.
    📖 View on Amazon
  • The Peripatetic Pursuit of Parkinson’s Disease
    Authors: Written and published through a collaborative effort by those directly affected by Parkinson’s — two members of the MyParkinsons Community, LOHENGR1N and the late BANDITO1 were co-authors.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
    A unique and insightful collection of personal stories, reflections, and creative expressions from individuals living with Parkinson’s, offering inspiration and a sense of community.
    📖 View on Amazon

There are over 300 books published on the topic of Parkinson’s disease CLICK HERE for Complete Book Listing.

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