In the first two decades of the twentieth century, age-adjusted death rates for Parkinson disease among older adults increased from 41.7 to 65.3 per 100,000 population. Among men, the rate increased from 65.2 per 100,000 to 97.9. Barbara Davis's husband had Parkinson's for over twenty years. She wrote Advice from a Parkinson's Wife after more than two decades of personal experience to chronicle the serious matters that most Parkinson's partners don't like to talk about publicly, and the feelings and frustrations they are embarrassed to share. By discussing these challenges openly and honestly, she sought to help others in ways that are not otherwise easily accessible, and to let them know that they are not alone in dealing with the negative life impacts of Parkinson's Disease.
Sadly, like most Parkinson's wives, Barbara became a Parkinson's widow. She was both prepared and completely unprepared for her husband's death. Writing Advice from a Parkinson's Widow: 20 Lessons I Never Wanted to Learn provided her an opportunity to reconnect with those who have undertaken the Parkinson's journey as caregivers and now as widows. The lessons and suggestions in Advice from a Parkinson's Widow are appropriate for both men and women, as well as for those who have lost their spouses to other long-term diseases. It is written from the perspective of one who learned as she went along, in the hope that others may be spared some of the difficulties and may find their way eased. Among the topics covered in the book are:
- Money Matters
- Eating Alone
- Feeling Sorry for Yourself
- Anger Management
- Freedom and/from Guilt
- How You Know You're Getting Better
- Remembering
Parkinson's is not considered a "deadly disease," but for those who die with it and those who survive, the term "deadly" seems appropriate. While fully aware of the burdens of both living and dying with Parkinson's Advice from a Parkinson's Widow offers sound counsel, consolation, understanding, and hope.
