Alzheimer's disease is a form of senile dementia that alters people's most precious cognitive abilities - thought, planning, memory - with devastating effects on the quality of life of its victims and their families. This book describes the clinical features of Alzheimer's - symptoms, possible causes, therapies, potential prevention strategies - and also offers suggestions for coping with everyday care issues and diagnostic and care-giving services.

Angelo Bianchetti is head physician in the operational health unit of the Sant'Anna Clinical Institute in Brescia (San Donato Hospital Group) and directs its Alzheimer's evaluation unit and neuro-rehabilitation day hospital.

Marco Trabucchi teaches Neuropsychopharmacology at the Tor Vergata University in Rome, is the scientific director of the Brescia Geriatric Research Group, and heads the Smith Kline Foundation's social and health policy unit.

Brazilian rights sold.