[A] lucid overview . . . . Extraordinary case studies abound.” —Nature
"Well written and poignant . . . Mr. Palfreman has written a clear, compelling account of this important disease . . . The reader will appreciate his courage in looking death in the face and candidly assessing the situation of himself and others caught in the grasp of this complex malady.” —Nicholas Wade, The Wall Street Journal
“Award-winning journalist Palfreman's fast-paced, captivating, and crisp narrative of patients, doctors, and researchers is part scientific investigation, part medical detective story, and part memoir, and it opens wide a window into the world of Parkinson's.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“[A] well-researched history and overview of the current state of research. Palfreman brings his skill as a science writer and a deep personal commitment to . . . this illuminating book.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Perhaps there is no one better suited to putting a story of medical and scientific research into context than award-winning journalist Palfreman . . . The information is clear, careful, dotted with the personal experiences of Palfreman . . . and hopeful.” —Booklist
“[A] story that unfolds like a confounding mystery, replete with missteps, promising leads, red herrings and amazing discoveries . . . [Palfreman] has a gift of explaining complex molecular processes in clear, understandable terms. What is ultimately appealing is the 'just-around the-corner' prospect of solving this mystery—making you marvel at what is possible.” —The Seattle Times
“The best and clearest book I've encountered on the current state of knowledge about Parkinson's Disease . . . [Palfreman is] a master storyteller and fluent writer with a great eye for revealing stories and details.” —The Tampa Tribune
“[Brain Storms] is both a deeply personal memoir as well as an incredible example of superb scientific journalism . . . Palfreman does an exceptional job of describing the history of the illness . . . and the status of ongoing efforts to develop more effective treatment options for those afflicted.” —Bowling Green Daily News
“Brain Storms is a sweeping survey-and a fascinating discovery narrative-of one of the great neurological scourges of our time. In this era of brain science, Jon Palfreman's book points to remarkable vistas of research that promise hope to millions.” —Sandeep Jauhar, New York Times-bestselling author of Doctored and Intern
“Through keen and captivating storytelling, Jon Palfreman expertly shares the many challenges and opportunities that surround Parkinson's research and gives credit to the people who have made drug discovery and development possible-most of all, the individuals living with the disease.” —Todd Sherer, PhD, CEO of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
“Rarely if ever does a book on Parkinson's disease come along that so seamlessly explores the personal side of the illness as well as the latest in scientific research from around the world. Jon Palfreman presents the disease with insight, sensitivity, and accuracy-truly an awesome achievement. Whether you are a patient, family member, physician, scientist, or simply someone interested in how science and emotions merge when someone develops a disease such as Parkinson's, you will benefit enormously from this eminently readable, wonderful book. I have never seen a book that explores the whole story of Parkinson's disease in such depth, and with such skill.” —J. William Langston, MD, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of Parkinson's Institute
“In Brain Storms, Jon Palfreman highlights the intriguing personal stories behind the expanding clinical picture of Parkinson's disease and the recent advances in Parkinson's research. The book is brilliant-and riveting.” —John Nutt, MD, Director Emeritus of the OHSU Parkinson Center
“Jon Palfreman combines the skills of an incredibly talented science journalist with the passion of someone who is also affected by Parkinson's disease. His book is an amazing inspiration for all of us involved in Parkinson's disease research. We hope that he will have cause to write another chapter soon, one that highlights a cure.” —Patrik Brundin, MD, PhD, Van Andel Research Institute
“Brain Storms is a fascinating journey from the discovery of Parkinson's to new treatments on the horizon-informative, inspiring, and, since Jon Palfreman's quest to understand the disease is personal, poignant. This book is essential reading for all who will, in one way or another, confront disability and disease in their own lives.” —R. Douglas Fields, author of The Other Brain
★ 07/06/2015
Award-winning journalist Palfreman’s fast-paced, captivating, and crisp narrative of patients, doctors, and researchers is part scientific investigation, part medical detective story, and part memoir, and it opens wide a window into the world of Parkinson’s. He introduces readers to James Parkinson, who in 1817 offered the first clinical description of the disease; Jean-Martin Charcot, who accurately described the signs and symptoms of what appeared to be a movement disorder; Constantin Tretiakoff, who demonstrated that the disease was caused by damage to the substantia nigra portion of the brain; and Frederick Lewy, who discovered the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s. Palfreman, who was diagnosed with the disease during his research, investigates drug therapies, such as the routine L-dopa therapy initiated in the 1960s and still used frequently today, and experimental drugs such as NPT088, which has yet to be approved by the FDA. There are more than seven million Parkinson’s sufferers worldwide and Palfreman shares some of their stories, including that of dancer Pam Quinn, who has learned to “trick” her symptoms and teaches her methods to other Parkinson’s patients. He reminds readers that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is a life sentence, but Palfreman remains optimistic about what new discoveries may be able to offer Parkinson’s patients. Agent: Kneerim, Williams, & Bloom. (Sept.)
06/15/2015
The general public may think they know what Parkinson's disease is—something that mainly old people get and that causes tremors—but the reality of the condition is more complex and confounding, explains science journalist Palfreman (KEZI Distinguished Professor of Broadcast Journalism, Univ. of Oregon; The Case of the Frozen Addicts), himself a sufferer. Some forms of the disease are inherited and others are environmentally caused; there is no definitive test that can be performed on living patients, and upon autopsy, some are found not to have had Parkinson's at all; and the disease has lately been recognized as much more than a motor disorder. Palfreman describes heroic measures by scientists, not to mention their animal and human subjects, in the effort to find a cure or a way to halt symptoms—everything from experimental surgeries to using viruses to deliver treatment. Sprinkled throughout are doctor, researcher, and patient accounts and the author's own story and opinions, which create a resource that can help those affected to learn more about the disease, understand better how their medication works and was developed, and deal with symptoms. A section on a dancer who has Parkinson's is particularly helpful, offering tips on how to move more easily. The language can get quite scientific, but patients who are familiar with popular science works will have no problem. VERDICT Solid research, engagingly presented; a great resource for patients and their families.—Henrietta Verma, Library Journal
2015-05-13
Prospects for better treatments for Parkinson's disease are the hope that lies at the end of this well-researched history and overview of the current state of research. Palfreman (Emeritus, Broadcast Journalism/Univ. of Oregon; co-author: The Case of the Frozen Addicts, 1996, etc.) brings his skill as a science writer and a deep personal commitment to an initially dark narrative. A generation ago, L-dopa was the breakthrough drug that would supply dopamine, the neurotransmitter no longer available from diseased brain cells, to neurons in movement control centers. Thus it would stop the tremors, falls, and other signs of Parkinson's—except when it didn't. L-dopa is notoriously difficult to deliver to the brain, and when it arrives, its release fluctuates, producing on-again, off-again effects. So the race was on to protect, revive, or transplant new cells to replace the dying ones. None of these approaches really worked, writes the author, probably because by the time movement symptoms appear, most of the dopamine cells are gone. In that sense, the tremors are only the tip of the iceberg. Among Parkinson's "prodromal" symptoms are constipation, loss of the sense of smell, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, Parkinson's comes in many varieties, with different ages of onset and different rates of progression. Fortunately, there are promising developments on the horizon—e.g., the chance discovery that a particular phage can invade and devour the misfolded proteins in brain cells, restoring function. A small company has now developed a phage-derived protein that forms the key to opening the cells, and they are planning human trials. Other developments include new forms of L-dopa to ensure stable amounts and sustained delivery and possible exploitation of the placebo effect, which has been shown to stimulate dopamine release from other brain systems. In this illuminating book, Palfreman reminds patients that exercise and a positive attitude help, and he urges them to participate in clinical trials and take to task drug companies reluctant to initiate huge trials for what they dismiss as a non-life-threatening disease. Just ask Michael J. Fox.