As the first book in the Oxford Neuropsychiatry Library series, it was difficult to know what to expect from this unimposing little gem. A quick internet search revealed that there is now an entire range of these books, on topics as diverse as restless legs syndrome to the current focus of our attention – Alzheimer's disease. The series comprises pocket-sized reference guides, presumably aimed at the “Community” Neuropsychiatrist who needs instant, up-to-date facts when they are in the field, whilst avoiding being burdened by a paving slab-sized tome of neurology.
Once you tease open the book – a complex motor task in itself due to its gracile frame – it is hard not to be impressed by just how much information the publisher has crammed in. Each of the 11 chapters is a well-referenced mini-literature review of all elements of Alzheimer's disease, from the basic neuropathology through to the latest evidence on the pharmacological therapies, all brimming with graphs taken direct from the literature.
Seminal points, such as “Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative syndrome” are repeated throughout the basic sciences section of the book like a mantra, and each chapter is preceded by a “key points” section. It is nice that around half of the book is dedicated to the practical management of the disease, from behavioral disturbances through to supporting carers. The overall feel of the text is positive, with most sections ending with a hopeful look towards the future and the authors boldly commenting on how the scope of the field will be when disease-modifying drugs are available.
It is difficult to find much to criticize about this book: perhaps the cover the color of dentist's mouthwash is a little off-putting, and some of the slides could have been clearer in color, but it does its job of downloading a wealth of data about this disease succinctly and efficiently. At times it is a little confusing as to what treatments are available today, and what is being theorized as lying just over the horizon, so much is the emphasis towards future developments. Naturally, some of the chapters are slightly superficial, when compared to its competitors in a weightier class; however, this seems never to have been the aim of the editors in producing this series, and given its size constraints it packs a lot of punch.
At a recession-busting price, this book certainly achieves its task: it is a useful adjunct to both psychiatry trainees and nurses in psychogeriatrics, finding their feet in the management of Alzheimer's disease, and for a quick reference to more senior clinicians in the field.
