This book provides a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer's disease, including information on the affliction's history, diagnosis, and effects on family members.
Alzheimer's disease is a vastly underrecognized disease that primarily appears in patients age 65 and older. It affects the entire family of those afflicted and has a tremendous impact on our health care system-the Alzheimer's Association estimates the cost of treating this form of dementia at $172 billion annually in the United States. Current treatment with medications has only limited success. Therefore, awareness of symptoms-which are often mistaken for aging or stress-and early recognition of the disease are the best ways to help patients and their caregivers.

Alzheimer's Disease is written to provide a broad overview of the disease, conveying all information and concepts in easy-to-read and understandable language. This text is intended for high school and college students, but is appropriate for general reading audiences as well.

Linda C. Lu is an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Juergen H. Bludau is instructor of medicine at Harvard University, Boston, MA, and acting chief of clinical geriatric services and director of the Center for Older Adult Health at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, also in Boston. His published works include Aging, but Never Old: The Realities, Myths, and Misrepresentations of the Anti-Aging Movement, a guide to geriatric medicine for the lay public.