A new case of dementia develops every seven seconds in the world. More than 24 million people are currently estimated to have dementia, and 4.6 million new cases are diagnosed each year. In addition, while the rate of dementia is expected to double between 2001 and 2040 in developed nations, it is predicted to increase by more than 300% in India and China. As an estimated 50% of these cases are likely to be Alzheimer's disease, careful diagnosis of the cause of memory difficulties is crucial in identifying the correct treatment.
The new edition of Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer's Disease is a clear, well-balanced and up-to-date review of recent advances made in Alzheimer's disease. The contributors are well-respected leaders in Alzheimer's research and clinical care. The fields of work to which the book pays particular attention – innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies, disease trends, neuropsychiatric challenges, healthcare delivery, ethical and quality-of-life issues, and future trends – are all justified and relevant. In its skilfully edited 382 pages, it uses illustrations, images and tables to make key points easily accessible.
This new edition has successfully expanded the chapters dealing with “medical management” to reflect the rapid scientific advances in the field. The medical management issues have been divided according to the different stages of the disease – for each stage, both the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies are examined – and the care environments for patients with severe dementia are also considered. The terminal stage, which is often an unexamined management area, is here given special focus, including end-of-life care and decisions. Furthermore, co-existent medical problems and concomitant diseases as well as neuropsychiatric management problems are discussed thoroughly.
There are two completely new chapters – “Biological Markers” and “Ethical Issues.” The former outlines the challenges and limitations of our knowledge of the disease, and reviews some of the current candidates for the disease biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta protein and phospho-tau. It also discusses the challenges surrounding the development of predictive biomarkers, linking neatly with the chapter on “Genetic Counselling.” The other new chapter, “Ethical Issues,” is a refreshing acknowledgment of the difficulties the illness brings to the everyday life of patients with Alzheimer's disease, as well as to the treating team and the carers involved. It explains clearly the four principles of bioethics and gives practical advice on how to enhance the patient's choices.
This is an appealing reference book for any doctor working with the aging population. It takes an inspiring and positive approach to an illness that still has no cure, nor as yet any real treatment that can delay its onset or prevent progression.
