Alzheimer's Disease

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.