The Problem of Alzheimer's

First, this book provides a wonderful history of the important discoveries of the different aspects of the disease. You also learn the stories behind many aspects of the disease that are now taken for granted—even with our 25+ years of treating people with this disease and conducting research to understand it better, we learned a lot. Dr. Karlawish also explains why research into dementia languished for more than 50 years. Finally, he raises many thought-provoking ethical issues that people with dementia, doctors, and society will need to wrestle with if we are going to solve “The Problem of Alzheimer’s… show more.

This fascinating and highly engaging history of Alzheimer’s dementia offers insights into the origins of the so-called “Alzheimer’s disease movement,” and the political and social influences on how post-modern societies deal with the cognitive, emotional, and motivational challenges experienced by people given that diagnosis. It concludes with insights about why the millions of dollars spent on searching for a “cure” have produced so little and it suggests other approaches that can contribute to the well-being of people living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.