The Genetic Disorders Sourcebook, 5th Edition, edited by Sandra Judd, discusses many genetic disorders, including neuromuscular diseases caused by genetic disorder. The Sourcebook is part of the Health Reference Series published by Omnigraphics. This series has been designed to be used by health consumers who do not have a medical background.

The first Part of this reference provides a useful introduction to genetics. This section looks at the basics of DNA at a cellular level, how genes function and contribute to health and health problems, how genetic disorders our inherited, genetic counseling, and genetic testing, and issues related to genetic discrimination.

The second part of the Sourcebook contains well-researched overviews of the many genetic disorders currently known to affect people. Many types of neuromuscular diseases are genetic disorders. The Genetic Disorders Sourcebook has chapters including the following neuromuscular diseases: the various types of muscular dystrophy; spinal muscular atrophy; Charcot Marie Tooth disease; and Friedreich’s Ataxia. The Sourcebook discusses mitochondrial disease in general, but does not provide specific information regarding the mitochondrial myopathies and encephelomyopathies.

The Genetic Disorders Sourcebook contains other useful chapters, including a section regarding genetic research. Parents of children with a genetic disorder will benefit from the information in Part IV: Information for Parents of Children with Genetic Disorders. This section includes information regarding parenting, assistive technology, education, transition to adulthood, estate planning, and government benefits. The Sourcebook also contains a glossary of terms and a listing of other sources for information and resources related to genetic disorder.

The Genetic Disorders Sourcebook is part of the Health Reference Series, published by Omnigraphics. According to their website, this series has been designed to be used by health consumers who do not have a medical background. There are many other health-related topics covered by this series. More information about the series, including a listing of topics can be found at https://omnigraphics.com/shop/category/health-reference-series/#description .

This book is quite expensive for individual purchase. Individuals may find it to be available at your local or university library.

Overall, the Genetic Disorders Sourcebook is a useful reference. It contains much valuable information in a well-researched and easy to read format for individuals with inherited neuromuscular disease and/or other inherited disorders.

References:

Judd, S.J. (editor), (2013). Genetic Disorder Sourcebook, 5th Edition. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphcs.

Omnigraphics website, (2015). Retrieved from https://omnigraphics.com/ on 2/7/15.

FTC Disclosure: The book reviewed in this article was borrowed by the reviewer at no cost from her local library.