Book Review: Ending Parkinson’s Disease – Key Takeaways

Hi, it’s David from Life With Parkinson’s.

This past Christmas, I received a gift that turned out to be far more than just a book — it was a wake-up call, a challenge, and a roadmap all rolled into one. The book is called Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action, and it’s written by four leading doctors who have spent their careers on the frontlines of the Parkinson’s battle.

If you’re new here — welcome. I hope you’ll consider subscribing or following along as we keep exploring life with Parkinson’s together. And to those who’ve been with me for a while, thank you for your continued love and support. You’re the reason I keep sharing.

A Book with One Big Question: What Can We Do?

When I opened Ending Parkinson’s Disease, the authors were asking a question I’ve been asking myself for years:

“What can we, as a society, actually do to turn this around?”

Parkinson’s is now the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. That’s a terrifying statement, and one that deserves more attention than it’s getting. We’re not talking about a rare disease anymore. We’re talking about something that’s starting to overwhelm not just individuals, but entire healthcare systems.

The authors — Dr. Ray Dorsey, Dr. Todd Sherer, Dr. Michael S. Okun, and Dr. Bastiaan Bloem — have built this book as a 25-point roadmap for society to follow. They lay out everything from policy changes and environmental awareness to patient advocacy and community support.

And honestly, it couldn’t be simpler: the roadmap is there — we just have to follow it.

More Than Just a Book: A Living Project

What really surprised me is how the authors didn’t stop at writing. Ending Parkinson’s Disease is part of a much larger movement. There’s a companion website, a YouTube channel, and even a documentary that goes along with it.

If you want a copy, there are several ways to get one — I’ve included links to both Amazon and the official website below in the video description and on my site.

You can even request a free copy if you’re unable to afford one right now, or sponsor copies for others who can’t pay. That sense of accessibility and community spirit really struck me.

This isn’t just a book — it’s a living, evolving project meant to keep the conversation going.

First Impressions: Four Authors, One Cohesive Voice

When I first picked up the book, I had a few worries.

Four authors? All doctors? Two with PhDs? I’ll be honest — I was expecting something dense and academic. I pictured myself sitting at the table with a ruler, a highlighter, and a dictionary just to get through the first chapter.

But I was wrong.

The writing is clear, concise, and well organized. The flow between chapters is surprisingly natural, and each section builds logically on the one before it. Despite being a nonfiction, research-heavy work, it reads smoothly — like a conversation guided by people who care deeply about making their point accessible.

Sure, there were moments where I felt the pacing slowed down a bit, but in hindsight, I realized it needed to. These are doctors — they’re not writing to entertain; they’re writing to convince. And to do that, they build airtight, bulletproof arguments backed by hundreds of references, studies, and statistics.

If anything, my impatience said more about me than the book. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I’ve noticed I can be more impatient — I want answers now. But as I kept reading, I started appreciating the care the authors took in building their case point by point.

They weren’t just writing — they were constructing trust.

Easter Eggs of Insight

One of the most delightful surprises about Ending Parkinson’s Disease is how it’s sprinkled with what I’d call “Easter eggs” — small, fascinating bits of information tucked into unexpected places.

In Chapter One, for instance, there’s a story about Dr. James Parkinson himself — the man who first described this disease over 200 years ago. I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say it gave me a new perspective on the name that defines so much of our lives.

It’s moments like that which kept me turning the pages. Even when the material got heavy or scientific, these little gems made it worth it — rewarding me for sticking with the argument.

Challenging the Usual Narrative

What really surprised me was how boldly the authors challenged the conventional narrative around Parkinson’s.

We’ve all heard the same promises before — that a cure is “just around the corner.” Then another corner. Then another.

But the authors don’t buy into that “false hope bus service,” as I like to call it. They don’t promise miracles. Instead, they offer something more powerful — truth and action.

They carefully explore whether a cure is even the best thing to hope for right now. And that idea floored me at first. But as they explained their reasoning — focusing on prevention, better care, and environmental reform — it started to make sense.

Their conclusions about Parkinson’s care, research collaboration, and the pace of progress are sometimes hard to hear, but necessary. The honesty is refreshing.

Pulling Back the Curtain on the Research World

One section that really caught my attention was their insight into how researchers collaborate — or sometimes, don’t.

The book reveals surprising details about the day-to-day cooperation levels in the research community, and how limited information sharing can slow progress. It’s something most of us outside the lab rarely think about.

That peek behind the curtain made me appreciate even more the need for unity — not just among patients and caregivers, but also among scientists, organizations, and policymakers.

The Pesticide Connection

Another area where the authors excel is explaining the link between Parkinson’s and environmental toxins, especially pesticides and industrial chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE).

They take what could easily be overwhelming scientific data and explain it in plain language — so anyone can understand the scale of the problem.

Reading about how these toxins have seeped into our soil, water, and air is sobering. And it’s not just people with Parkinson’s who should care. These chemicals affect everyone.

It’s a section worth reading twice — once for understanding, and again for reflection.

A Roadmap for Real Action

By the time I reached the last chapters, I realized the authors weren’t just educating us — they were calling us to action.

Their 25-point roadmap includes names, emails, and contact information for policymakers and organizations that can make real change happen. It’s a complete guide for anyone who wants to advocate for the Parkinson’s community in the U.S.

I can only hope that one day, Canada and other countries will adopt similar frameworks so that advocacy can expand globally.

This roadmap isn’t a wish list — it’s a blueprint for real change.

A Book Overshadowed — But Not Forgotten

Unfortunately, Ending Parkinson’s Disease was released around the time the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world’s attention. And like so many important conversations, it got buried under the chaos of that time.

But that doesn’t mean the call to action should be left behind.

The book’s message remains just as urgent today as it was when it was first written. We still need to unite as a community, raise our voices, and remind the world that Parkinson’s isn’t going away quietly.

What I Took Away

When I first finished reading, I sat there asking myself, “What am I supposed to do with this information?”

Then I realized — the authors had already answered that question.

They flipped it around and asked us:

“What can you do?”

And that’s when I knew my answer.

I could share my experience, write about it, and encourage others to read this book — not because I was asked to, but because I believe in what it stands for.

It’s a call to awareness, to cooperation, to community — and above all, to action.

Who Should Read This Book?

In my opinion, anyone with Parkinson’s disease should read Ending Parkinson’s Disease.

But it shouldn’t stop there. Family members, caregivers, advocates, and even people with no direct connection to Parkinson’s should read it.

Because pesticides, pollution, and chemical exposure affect everyone.

If you live on this planet, this book concerns you.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of Ending Parkinson’s Disease lies not just in its message but in its execution. It’s educational without being overwhelming, scientific without being cold, and hopeful without being naive.

The companion website keeps the content fresh and evolving. The accompanying documentary brings emotion and humanity to the data. Together, they create a movement that’s too important to ignore.

If you haven’t read it yet, I truly encourage you to get a copy — or even better, sponsor one for someone else who can’t afford it.

You can find the links to order the book or explore the project website below. Watch the documentary. Share it. Talk about it. Let’s make sure this conversation doesn’t fade into the background.

Because the future of Parkinson’s advocacy depends on all of us showing up — informed, united, and ready to act.

Support My Journey

If you’ve found value in my writing or the videos I share, I’d be deeply grateful for your support. Every bit helps me continue producing content that raises awareness, connects people, and brings hope to those living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

You can support my work through Ko-fi — it’s a small way to help keep this mission going, one story and one conversation at a time.

A Note from Me

Sometimes a book arrives in your life exactly when you need it. For me, Ending Parkinson’s Disease was one of those books.

It reminded me that even when we feel small or powerless, there are ways we can contribute — by speaking, sharing, educating, and connecting.

Thank you for taking the time to read, to learn, and to be part of this growing community of hope. Together, we can help turn awareness into action.

Caregiver’s Corner

To all the caregivers out there — thank you. Your patience, strength, and compassion make all the difference.

The work you do often goes unseen, but please know it’s deeply appreciated. Remember to take care of yourself, too. You deserve rest, kindness, and recognition for everything you do.

You’re not just supporting someone with Parkinson’s — you’re part of the movement to help us all live better.

Medical Disclaimer

The information shared in this post reflects my personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment.