Brain Storms

The Race to Unlock the Mysteries of Parkinson's Disease

By: Jon Palfreman

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Seven million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson's, and doctors, researchers, and patients continue to hunt for a cure. In Brain Storms, the award-winning journalist Jon Palfreman tells their story, a story that became his own when he was diagnosed with the debilitating illness. Palfreman chronicles how scientists have worked to crack the mystery of what was once called the shaking palsy, from the earliest clinical descriptions of tremors, gait freezing, and micrographia to the cutting edge of neuroscience, and charts the victories and setbacks of a massive international effort to best the disease. He takes us back to the late 1950s and the discovery of L-dopa. He delves into a number of other therapeutic approaches to this perplexing condition, from partial lobotomies and deep brain stimulation to neural grafting. And he shares inspiring stories of brave individuals living with Parkinson's, from a former professional ballet dancer who tricks her body to move freely again to a patient who cannot walk but astounds doctors when he is able to ride a bicycle with no trouble at all.

With the baby boom generation beginning to retire and the population steadily aging, the race is on to discover a means to stop or reverse neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Brain Storms is the long-overdue, riveting, and deeply personal story of that race and a passionate, insightful, and urgent look into the lives of those affected.

©2015 Jon Palfreman (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Incredible and informative.

Wouldn't have chosen this ;glad I stumbled on it. Highly recommended for its incredible revelations.

Amazing Book !

this book better explains PD and the history of study & treatment than any other

Amazing

This man can write and tell stories. I want to see his NOVA program and read more of his work. If you want to learn about Parkinsons, be fascinated and encouraged, listen to this.

Very insightful

This is a must read if you know somebody suffering from Parkinson's Disease. It outlines the complexities of the disorder and explores the treatments for the future...in terms a layperson can understand.

Past present future

Well explained in an understandable fashion. Will try to outline so I can benefit by doing what I need to do
Exercise always helps.

Understanding Brain Dysfunctions

Narration: Clear. Cadence somewhat monotonous but nonetheless gentle and indicates sincere appreciation for material.

Content: An informative, exhaustive explanation of Parkinson's and related diseases and treatments.

The descriptions and caveats of scientific research methodologies are truly outstanding. If one does not know much about scientific research procedures and paradigms then they will find this book informative, possibly even transformative.

The stories of those heroically coping and researching Parkinson's disease are truly inspirational (e.g., Michael J. Fox).

Highly recommended. Somewhat tedious but perhaps necessarily so. I am tempted to recommend some editing but am uncertain whether that would detract from this excellent treatment.

An excellent take on a difficult subject

A thoughtful, insightful, strikingly well-written, and soberly optimistic view into the history and future of the science of Parkinson's. An even better account of the people who battle with, survive, and succumb to the disease. Beyond its proximate subject, Palfreman's book is a exploration of coping and perseverance, and a nuanced take on faith, science, and faith in science.

History and hope for those suffering

Discusses exciting new advances in neuodegenerative brain disorders, covering Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other brain disorders.

pretty bleak

I did not love this book it was pretty bleak pretty dark of things that are going to happen to you I would rather hear that there is hope.

Excellent update

What made the experience of listening to Brain Storms the most enjoyable?

An extremely valuable book for both the layperson and the medical professional. I am recommending it to friends and have purchased copies for caregivers of my mother. As a pharmacist I learned much more than I knew. I will be advising my many medical friends to read it as well. Excellent explanation of the affliction and the newest advances regarding its treatment.