Can You Help Me?
Inside the Turbulent World of Huntington Disease
Thomas D. Bird,MD
Reviews and Awards
"Dr. Bird succeeds in capturing the pain, frustration, and stigma associated with Huntington's disease ... His writing is straightforward, easy to read, and engaging." - Tsao-Wei Liang, MD, Doodys
"It is often said that when you have seen one Huntington's disease (HD) patient, you have seen just one HD patient. While we have known the identity of the genetic cause of HD for over 25 years, we still have a long way to go to understand the clinical manifestations of this horrible disease. How can one genetic mutation result in such as wide array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms? This book is a wonderful assembly of stories from his years of caring for HD patients and families that illustrate the vast symptomatic heterogeneity of the disease. The stories provide insight into the complex and emotional situations that confront HD families on a daily basis. While heartbreaking, Dr. Bird also shows us how individuals can accept the devastating prognosis and find a level of love and fulfillment that they would not have otherwise achieved." - George Yohrling, PhD, Huntington's Disease Society of America, Senior Director, Mission and Scientific Affairs
"In this unique book, Dr. Thomas Bird reports his extraordinary experience of caring for over 1000 patients with Huntington's disease. The chapters are packed with detailed cases illustrating the breadth of neurological and psychosocial dysfunction caused by the disease and show the depth of Dr. Bird's knowledge and his commitment to helping his patients. He explains scientific and medical facts clearly to all readers. The cases also illustrate the crucial role of genetic testing and counseling, and show how the success of medical care depends largely on the extent to which patients have a supportive social environment of friends and family. Dr. Bird affirmatively answers the question he posed in the title by demonstrating the true nature of quality medical care of patients with HD as practiced by a dedicated and master clinician." - James L. Bernat, MD, Professor of Neurology and Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
"This book is an outstanding guide for anyone affected by or interested in Huntington disease. The diverse experience of people with Huntington disease is richly described through both the scientific introduction and the personal stories from Dr. Bird's decades of work with patients and families. The complex issues regarding genetic testing are thoughtfully and thoroughly presented. A powerful and hopeful resource for anyone." - Bruce L. Miller, MD, A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor in Neurology, Director, Memory and Aging Center, Director, Global Brain Health Institute, Joint Appointment in Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
