NPF Medical Director Releases Book on Breakthrough Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease

Ana de Barros, PhD avatar

by Ana de Barros, PhD |

Share this article:

Share article via email

The National Parkinson Foundation’s (NPF) medical director, Michael S. Okun, M.D., recently published a new book, titled, “10 Breakthrough Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease,” which is a follow-up of his previous Amazon bestseller “Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life.” The sequel provides updated information to patients and their loved ones on today’s promising breakthrough therapies for the disease.

“There is a worldwide crisis of misinformation; in many areas no information is available for people to understand the breakthrough therapies that will be necessary to living a better life with Parkinson’s disease,” said Okun, co-director of the UF Health Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration in Gainesville, Florida, an NPF Center of Excellence. “We have to get the message out, and we have to make it understandable and available to everyone, regardless of where they live or what language they may speak.”

Okun’s first book was translated into 20 languages and received much praise for bearing writing that infused information with optimism. In his new book, he buckles down to review the most recent breakthroughs in Parkinson’s disease research, including drug development, vaccines, medical devices, genetics, and behavior. Okun made it a point to release a book that could cater to all concerned individuals – from patients to professionals.

“Dr. Okun’s book conveys that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is not the end of the road,” said Paul Blom, NPF’s interim CEO. “People with Parkinson’s and their families need to know that there are many innovative treatments on the horizon that will help make their lives better. Dr. Okun continues to give the Parkinson’s community the tools they need to be empowered and informed.”

Aside from his writing, Okun is primarily known worldwide as an accomplished neurologist and researcher, often dubbed as “the voice of the Parkinson’s disease patient.” One of his most recent recognitions was at the White House, wherein he was named Champion of Change for Parkinson’s disease. He has garnered an international following on NPF’s “Ask the Doctor” online forum, and is a professor of neurology at the University of Florida. His many books and “What’s Hot in PD?” blog posts on Parkinson.org offer extensive up-to-date and practical information. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelOkun.

To learn more about the book or to purchase it, visit the Amazon Kindle store.