Moving story of a Parkinson's patient

May 4 2010

Over 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurological disorder most recently brought attention to by Michael J. Fox. In his new release, "Move On with Parkinson's: An Inspirational True Story as Told by a PD Patient" (published by LuLu), author Michael Stanfield shares his struggle with Parkinson's and the medical treatments and exercise that helped reverse his symptoms.

After years of declining health, strength and coordination, Stanfield was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease six years ago. His neurologist declared that he already had PD for at least eight to ten years before that; a surprising and unwelcome finding. He battled PD every day by sticking to a closely monitored program. The author is eager to help other Parkinson's patients who can benefit from his experience with the disease.

According to Stanfield, the new PD patient should act without delay to obtain treatment from a qualified neurologist and to undertake an intensive exercise program. The book includes detailed descriptions and photos of exercises found by the author and his personal trainer to result in the greatest improvement in PD symptoms. "Move On with Parkinson's" maintains an optimistic and helpful attitude that uses humor to keep morale high. Stanfield provides a realistic glimpse into the progressive stages of acceptance, coping and triumph as he tells new patients what to expect and more importantly, how to deal with this debilitating disease:

"When a doctor moves your arm around and lifts it by the wrist or elbow he or she is checking on its rigidity or stiffness. If your arm does not bend freely, especially at the elbow, you may have one of the key symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Jeanne says she noticed that I walked stiffly without swinging my arms, and my right elbow was bent slightly. This description is practically a text book sign of Parkinson's disease. When she called my attention to the stiff, bent elbow, I looked down, straightened my right arm and elbow, and dismissed her observation as unimportant."

"Move On with Parkinson's" is endorsed by Dr. Enrico Fazzini, DO, PhD, Director, APDA Referral and Information Center, NYU Medical Center, Manhattan, New York, "... a motivational must for the newly diagnosed, demonstrates the power of positive thinking over PD."