Summary

Praise for the previous edition:
"...short, easy-to-read entries clearly explain complex concepts with a minimum of medical jargon...a useful addition to most consumer health collections."—Library Journal

"This book is a must for all public and health care libraries."—American Reference Books Annual

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior. More than 5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to leap to 11 million by 2050. As the baby boomer population continues to age, Alzheimer’s remains a significant public health problem, and there is no cure on the horizon.

In more than 500 entries, The Encyclopedia of Alzheimer’s Disease, Second Edition presents a wealth of information on the physical, emotional, and intellectual conditions that affect Alzheimer’s sufferers. It also examines the current research on prevention, causes, and treatments, as well as the social issues surrounding the disease. Appendixes include major resources, organizations, helpful books and publications, an extensive bibliography, and a glossary.

Topics include:

• Causes of Alzheimer's
• Diagnosis and symptoms of Alzheimer's
• Genetics and gene therapy
• Heredity and Alzheimer's
• Home health care and home modification
• Long-term planning and care
• Memory and mental activity
• Myths about Alzheimer's
• Related diseases and health issues
• Treatments and medications.

Specifications

Index. Appendixes. Bibliography. Glossary. Cross-references.

About the Author(s)

Carol Turkington was a medical writer with a degree in journalism and 25 years of professional experience. She was also an educational consultant to the national office of the American Red Cross. She was the author of several books, including The Encyclopedia of Poisons and Antidotes, Third Edition; The Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases, Third Edition; and The Encyclopedia of the Brain and Brain Disorders, Third Edition, all for Facts On File.

Deborah Mitchell is a freelance writer who specializes in health, nutrition, and medical topics. She has authored, coauthored, and ghostwritten more than 40 books, as well as scores of articles for both print and electronic media. She has served as senior editor for environmental protection for CharityGuide.com and as a health writer for emaxhealth.com.

Foreword author James E. Galvin, M.D., M.Sc., is assistant professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also director of both the Memory Diagnostic Center and the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Neuroscience Laboratory at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in the Center for the Study of Nervous System Injury at Washington University School of Medicine.