Diseases (other than Cancer)

This program from The Doctor Is In studies the cases of three patients with Lou Gehrig's disease. Expert medical commentary is provided by Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., science director of the ALS Association, and Jeffrey Cohen, M.D., a neurologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. In addition, a family care provider talks about the challenges one faces in that role. Although there is currently no cure for ALS, it is only a matter of time before one is found as researchers continue to advance the frontiers of knowledge of neurological diseases. A Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Production. (29 minutes, color)

The experience of the family members and spouses in this program reflects that of thousands of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers who struggle daily with the heartfelt conflict of love and obligation. This program presents examples of caregivers who have learned to cope effectively with these stresses, restoring balance in their own lives. The importance of caregiver support groups and other outlets for the discussion of problems is closely examined. (57 minutes)

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the patient, but all who love and care for that person as well. This poignant program allows a rare glimpse into one couple's experience with the fatal illness that tore their life apart, tracking the mental deterioration of Malcolm Pointon-husband, father, Cambridge professor, and gifted pianist, diagnosed at only 51 years of age. The documentary sympathetically yet unflinchingly chronicles Malcolm's descent into dementia and his wife Barbara's unyielding commitment to be there in sickness and in health." Some content may be objectionable. (75 minutes)"

While the cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown, knowledge of how MS attacks the body is improving. This program outlines what happens to the central nervous system and its myelin nerve sheaths when a patient suffers from MS; describes how movement, memory, and vision can be impaired; and examines recently developed medicines that can slow the advance of the disease. Identifying areas of study that may yield important MS clues-including gender differences, genetic factors, and environmental triggers such as viral or bacterial infection-the program incorporates expert commentary from Dr. Richard Rudick of Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Patricia O'Looney, director of biomedical research at the National MS Society. (28 minutes)

Often mistaken for less debilitating problems, interstitial cystitis is a serious and painful disease of the bladder lining that, if not properly treated, can ruin a patient's life. This program explores the challenge that IC presents to physicians-specifically, the difficulties of diagnosing it-and features therapies and support organizations that have greatly reduced, and may one day eliminate, the agony of IC. Dr. Lowell Parson, a UCSD professor of surgery and urology, explains a new catheter-delivered treatment that can heal the bladder's lining, while Dr. Vicki Ratner, founder of the Interstitial Cystitis Association, describes how she spearheaded research into the disease. (28 minutes)

Using diagrams, expert commentary, and patient interviews, this program thoroughly discusses end-stage renal disease and its management, including the symptoms and causes; hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and automated peritoneal dialysis; and dietary restrictions. The psychosocial impact is considered as well, along with the subject of kidney transplants. A review of the filtration, hormonal, and metabolic functions of healthy kidneys is also provided. (28 minutes)

Sometimes, the normal aches and pains of the aging process can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. This program focuses on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of one such condition: carpal tunnel syndrome. Host Dr. Kevin Soden discusses how CTS arises and its diagnosis with hand surgeon Ken Means, while physical therapist Steve Moxie explains the various treatment options for patients diagnosed with the disorder. The patient's point of view is provided through two senior citizens who underwent laparoscopic surgery to ease the chronic hand pain caused by the syndrome. Although serious at any age, CTS is highly treatable. (24 minutes)

Over time the synergy of technology and skillful surgeons has made cataracts all but disappear-so much so that Dr. Richard Mackool, director of the Mackool Eye Institute and Laser Center at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City, says cataract surgery is the most successful operation in the history of mankind." Along with Mackool, Dr. Kerry Solomon, director of the Magill Laser Center at the Medical University of South Carolina's Storm Eye Institute, assesses the risks associated with the procedure, examines the lens replacement options, and gives his thoughts on the future of lens and eye development. (28 minutes)"

It can turn a hard-driving, energetic person into a walking zombie-exhausted, confused, and unable to work. This program sheds light on the mysterious illness known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which has no known cause or cure. Case studies feature a former congressional worker who eventually found it impossible to perform her duties on Capitol Hill, and a clinical psychologist whose personal experience with CFS has helped others suffering from this life-altering condition. Expert commentary is provided by Dr. Eleanor Hanna, chair of the NIH working group on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Dr. Maria DiGiovanni, a specialist with the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers. (25 minutes)

Medicine is gaining ground against chronic pain, thanks to determined doctors-and patients. This program explores what causes pain and looks at treatments involving medication, physical therapy, and alternative methods. Presenting interviews with physicians who have dedicated their careers to fighting chronic pain-including UC San Diego doctors Mark Wallace and Armelia Sani-the program also features commentary from patients who cope with it every day: a man battling stomach cancer who uses relaxation techniques to ease abdominal pain...a woman with damaged vertebrae who has regained mobility through exercise...and an arthritis sufferer who can write without pain because of new drugs. (28 minutes)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an umbrella term used to describe patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or any combination among those three ailments. This program examines the impairments of COPD, including shortness of breath and mobility so restricted that simple tasks like walking to the car are almost impossible. Several case studies reveal both the clinical and the human dimensions of COPD, while newly developed drug treatments for the disease are also highlighted. Expert commentary comes from John Kirkwood, President and CEO of the American Lung Association; Dr. Frank Rahaghi of the Cleveland Clinic Florida; and Dr. Gene Colice of Washington Hospital Center. (28 minutes)

The number one killer of both men and women in America today is coronary artery disease, also known as heart disease. This program explores the risk factors and symptoms associated with CAD, emphasizing that it can lead to a heart attack or cardiac death without warning. Promoting a positive approach, the video portrays these traumas as life-changing occurrences for patients who do survive a cardiac event and commit to improving their health. Case studies and personal commentary from patients, along with explanations of advanced medical procedures developed to treat CAD, are also included. (28 minutes)

Degenerative disk disease is not really a disease at all, but the result of aging, injury, or physical activity. Nonetheless, the condition can be both painful and debilitating, and by late middle age, most people exhibit some degree of spinal disk deterioration. This program profiles two patients with lumbar DDD-one an office worker, the other a firefighter-who get relief through two entirely different courses of treatment. The first opts to address the symptoms with physical therapy and a form of acupuncture called intramuscular stimulation, while the second decides to eliminate the root cause of the discomfort with disk replacement surgery. The importance of early diagnosis is emphasized. (26 minutes)

Affecting about 2 million Americans every year, deep vein thrombosis is a severe form of blood clot that has been linked with some cancers. This program examines how DVT develops, including the genetic and acquired risk factors that make an occurrence likely. It also examines the life-threatening problem of pulmonary embolisms, or blood clots in the lungs, which can result from DVT. Along with medical procedures used for early detection and treatment of DVT, the video includes case studies, personal experiences of patients, and descriptions of simple strategies for preventing and coping with blood clots. (28 minutes)

It can affect anyone, from night clerk to Nobel laureate. Physicians have identified more than 70 potential causes of irreversible mental deficiency, or dementia-which most often takes the form of Alzheimer's disease-and worldwide data indicate that its occurrence is on an upward trend. This program spotlights promising medical trials aimed at halting the mental and physiological tragedy of dementia. Linking the disease to organic neuronal damage, the film focuses on the development of medicines and vaccinations that could potentially cure it. Viewers are also introduced to therapeutic methods that make dementia less frightening and may help to relieve sufferers on the journey into a world devoid of memory. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (26 minutes)