Personal Books About Parkinson’s Disease

It can be easy to get lost in research textbooks, mulling over the knowledge that we’ve accumulated about Parkinson’s disease. Reading facts and figures allows us to calibrate our understanding of our experience. But, sometimes, it’s even more beneficial to read personal tales.

What might we learn from those who came before us and navigated Parkinson’s disease? How might others’ experiences allow us to widen our understanding of our own experiences?

The following books provide insight and wisdom about Parkinson’s in a unique way. These people with Parkinson’s share their stories to encourage, inspire, and educate others.

Both Sides Now

Both Sides Now: A Journey from Researcher to Patient, by Dr. Alice Lazzarini

Dr. Alice Lazzarini was conducting research about Parkinson’s disease when she realized that she exhibited some of the symptoms that were associated with the disease. Lazzarini worked with a team that ultimately made substantial discoveries about the disease.

What makes this book a curious read is Dr. Lazzarini’s background in Parkinson’s research. What is it like to research the illness that will soon dominate your life?

This book reveals some of the research that Lazzarini was focused on as she learned about her own fate. The tale is grisly, eye-opening and not for the casual reader.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned, by Michael J. Fox

Most people who are impacted by Parkinson’s know a little something about Michael J. Fox. The actor received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which pushed him to drive research forward.

In A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, Michael J. Fox tells his story in its eternity. But one loveable thing about this book is its sheer optimism and encouragement. Despite the challenges that the man has faced, he continues to shed positivity on those who surround him.

While most of the book focuses on his early life and the journeys he took, it provides a tremendous amount of insight into a well-loved and iconic person with Parkinson’s.

A Soft Voice in a Noisy World

A Soft Voice in a Noisy World: A Guide to Dealing and Healing with Parkinson’s Disease, by Karl Robb

Author Karl Robb received the dreaded Parkinson’s diagnosis. But instead of sinking into depression, he began finding solutions to the problems that he faced.

His book, A Soft Voice in a Nosy World, shares tips that helped him learn how to manage the disease. Robb began exploring reiki, ultimately becoming a practitioner. And he began to discover additional natural remedies to manage the disease’s progression.

Over the course of his 20-year progression, Robb reported that he managed to slow the disease. And in some ways, he was even able to make improvements. This is a book for the open-minded Parkinson’s patient who’s willing to explore unconventional remedies.

My Degeneration

My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s, by Peter Dunlap-Shohl

Peter Dunlap-Shohl worked as a cartoonist for the Anchorage Daily News before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the young age of 43.

In My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s, he uses his visual and literary talents to show readers what it’s like to navigate the disease. This book evaluated Parkinson’s care, the impairments that we face, brain surgery, and day-to-day life with the disease.

Although facing Parkinson’s brings a variety of difficult challenges and obstacles, Dunlap-Shohl manages to address many of them with humor.