Concepts of Alzheimer Disease

This overview of the history and evolution of the concept of Alzheimer disease is a substantial contribution that will interest readers in gerontology, geriatrics, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, social science, and public policy. It is a good introductory book for people new to the field, as well as for clinicians and even for family members of those affected by Alzheimer disease. -- Constantine G. Lyketsos, M.D., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Essays examine not only the prominent role that biomedical and clinical researchers have played in defining Alzheimer disease, but the ways in which the perspectives of patients, their caregivers, and the broader public have shaped concepts.As the essays in this volume show, conceptualizing dementia has always been a complex process. With contributions from noted professionals in psychiatry, neurology, molecular biology, sociology, history, ethics, and health policy, Concepts of Alzheimer Disease looks at the ways in which Alzheimer disease has been defined in various historical and cultural contexts. The book covers every major development in the field, from the first case described by Alois Alzheimer in 1907 through groundbreaking work on the genetics of the disease. Essays examine not only the prominent role that biomedical and clinical researchers have played in defining Alzheimer disease, but also the ways in which the perspectives of patients, their caregivers, and the broader public have shaped concepts.