When is Parkinson’s not Parkinson’s?

Dear Dr. Gott: Thank you for your recent response to a letter regarding tremors. My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease without any follow-up tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

I recently saw a report on television that said some diagnoses of Parkinson’s were really normal-pressure hydrocephalus. It is caused by too much fluid on the brain, and a shunt inserted into the back of the head allows a magnet to reduce the amount of fluid.

On the program, men were walking straight and not having tremors for the first time in 10 years of being medicated for Parkinson’s disease.

Could you do a follow-up response to the tremors, indicating your thoughts on this alternative diagnosis and treatment?

Dear Reader: Parkinson’s disease, a nerve disorder, can lead to physical problems and dementia.

So can NPH, a curable increase in the pressure of the brain’s fluid. This is diagnosed with varying scanning procedures and is treated with surgery.

I assume that your husband has been seen by a neurologist. If not, that would be a good next step.

If he has a neurologist, this doctor can review what the tests have shown or order additional testing, if necessary.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Parkinson’s Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I love your column, but I have a bone to pick with you. I was intrigued by your no-flour, no-sugar diet, so I bought your book hoping it would clear up a few of my questions. It didn’t.

In fact, the diet is nowhere near as simple as you make it sound.

Case in point: You indicate that it is OK to eat Rice Krispies. Have you ever read the label for plain Rice Krispies?

The ingredients are rice, sugar, salt, high-fructose corn syrup and malt flavoring. Doesn’t your diet prohibit sugar and high-fructose corn syrup?

Why is it OK to eat Rice Krispies? Cheerios lists sugar, too. A lot of foods that you say are OK do.

See what I mean?

Dear Reader: You caught me. The Rice Krispies issue is an editorial glitch in the original paperback version. It is not part of my weight-loss diet and has since been corrected in the hardcover version.

I apologize for the mistake.

“Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” (corrected version) is available in most bookstores or online at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. Also available in January 2008 is my follow-up book, which contains more than 200 recipes.

“Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cook Book” is available for preorder at www.Amazon.com.