“This is not a cookbook. This is how I stopped losing control of my own body.”
Wojciech Wasilewski
So far, 2026 has been a banner year for new publications about Parkinson’s Disease. Books by Doctors/Health Care Professionals, Researchers, People with Parkinson’s and even a few inspired by children and grandchildren. How do you keep up with all of them? I am running out of room for all of these new books. Some I can’t put down and read cover to cover. Others are best used as a resource.
Some of the authors named have already joined me for Sunday Mornings with Twitchy Woman and recordings of those meetings are available by clicking on the name of the author. Others are scheduled in the next few months to talk to you. I hope that you can join me for those presentations. Registration information is provided for those.
Two books written for families with younger children or grandchildren
The Secret Switch, by Julie Fitzgerald, was inspired by questions asked by her granddaughter about Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. This beautifully illustrated book is written specifically for a young audience.
A Mother’s Day Treat for you on Sunday, May 10 at 1 PM ET, Naomi Estolas and her daughter will join us to talk about their book “I Laugh at my Mom who has Parkinson’s Disease”. Yes, you will laugh at many of the experiences Naomi has had over the years, both good and embarrassing, because of Parkinson’s.
My precocious 8 year old granddaughter has read both books and gave a big thumbs up to both. They were easy for her to read and to understand.
One of the best Parkinsons advocates and a very prolific author, George Ackerman (Together for Sharon) will be joining us this coming Sunday, April 26 at 1 PM ET. His most recent book is I Love You, Grandma Sharon!: Brooke and Grandma’s Days with Parkinson’s . From Amazon: “Often, it is difficult to explain what children see, feel, and may think when seeing their loved one diagnosed with PD. Set for caregivers, families, and those diagnosed with PD, this book aims to help guide children through various unknown experiences, feelings, and emotions, and provide insight from the eyes of a grandmother battling the disease in a storybook format.”
Living with Parkinson’s
These books were written by people with Parkinson’s. They share their life with Parkinson’s and ways they have managed to live well with PD.
Sara Whittingham, an anesthesiologist who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 46 , has written “Oh Crap It’s Parkinson’s”. The unusual title fits. This is a terrific book written by someone who has Young Onset PD, who is able to use her medical background to blend science and the lived experience with PD. And, most importantly, a cartoon image of her dog – nicknamed Twitchy McGrit – will guide you through the book.
In Living Parkinson’s: 7 Strategies for Living a Full Life with Renewed Purpose, Steve Yellen shares his secrets for living well with Parkinson’s. He will be joining me on Sunday Morning, May 3 at 1:00 PM ET to talk about his book.
Incurable Gifts will have you laughing out loud at the many antics of author Jim O’Connell, a former editor for Bloomberg News. O’Connell writes about the little gifts that our friend PD keeps giving us. If you have Parkinson’s, then you know exactly what he is talking about. Jim will join me on June 7 at 1:00 PM ET to talk about the book.
Another prolific author is Wojciech Wasilewski, from Poland. He has written 2 autobiographies and just published The Parkinson’s Diet Cookbook. The book features 90 recipes based on the research from Laurie Mischley, ND. I am always looking for interesting new cookbooks and I am sure this one will get a lot of use.
And from the Parkinson’s professionals
Michael Okun, MD, co-author of The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment and many other books, joined us in February to answer all of our questions about Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Okun is a wealth of information about all things Parkinson’s.
On May 31, Kristine Meldrum will join me for the second time on Sunday Mornings to talk about her new book How to Build a PD Exercise Cocktail Plan: A Professional’s Companion Guidebook . This book is written for health professionals and trainers in addition to People with Parkinson’s. Feel free to invite your personal trainer or physical therapist to join us at this meeting.
“Kristine Meldrum’s book is a refreshing new lens: instead of chasing the next pill combination, we can mix together movement, strength, balance, and joy into an exercise cocktail that changes lives. This is a prescription that every care team should learn to write.”
— Michael S. Okun, MD
Executive Director, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
New York Times bestselling author, The Parkinson’s Plan
Many of these authors will have their books on display at the World Parkinson Congress next month. If you are there, go take a look to see what is in the Book Nook.
As you can see, so many people with Parkinson’s are telling their stories in so many different ways. Please send your story to me so that I can include it in a future blog.
Have a great week!
Most of these books are available on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Twitchy Woman earns from qualifying purchases.
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