The only comprehensive guide to the history and science of Alzheimer’s disease

With vivid examples, Professor Michael Hornberger takes you on a whistle-stop tour of every aspect of Alzheimer's disease, from its origins to modern diagnosis and treatment.

Professor Hornberger – a neuroscientist who has researched Alzheimer’s for decades – shows how you can protect yourself and your family from developing the disease.

Written for the general public, his book explains:

• What causes Alzheimer’s disease
• Why Alzheimer’s often affects memory first
• The role of genetics in raising and lowering risk for the disease
• The chances you will inherit Alzheimer’s from your parents
• The practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting dementia

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 70% of all people with dementia and its incidence is growing.

Prof Hornberger delves into this most common form of dementia by looking at the very first patient who was diagnosed with ‘Alzheimer’s’ – Auguste Deter, in 20th Century Germany. Interviewed by a pioneering doctor, Alois Alzheimer, Mrs Deter could remember her wedding but not her husband's name or where they lived.

This is often true of Alzheimer's disease – people with it are often said to be ‘living in the past,’ as their old memories thrive, while newer memories are difficult to create. However, the disease has many variants and Prof Hornberger goes into the lesser-known ones such as Posterior Cortical Atrophy, which does not start with memory loss.

He also explains the role that inherited genes play in transmitting Alzheimer's, including the important difference between risk genes and familial Alzheimer’s disease genes – which make developing the disease a near certainty.

Finally, the book looks at new ‘biomarkers’ and blood tests to detect, diagnose and monitor Alzheimer’s, and the new treatments emerging.

Prof Hornberger warns that popularly touted techniques to prevent Alzheimer's may not be worth your time or money. Instead, he sets out the steps you can take to protect yourself from this debilitating degenerative disease.

Reviews

‘A fascinating journey, both historically and scientifically, from the first recorded case of Alzheimer’s disease through to modern therapies. This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the real science behind what causes Alzheimer’s disease and how best to prevent it.’ – John O’Brien, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Cambridge

‘This is such a clear and interesting book, which takes away the fear from something to which we are all at risk. It is high time we knew more, and this is just the place to start.’ – Professor Tom Shakespeare, Professor of Disability Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

‘It expertly balances deep scientific insights with engaging storytelling... As we enter an era of hope in our battle against this devastating disease, Tangled Up is an invaluable resource for the curious reader, be they caregiver, scientist or medical professional.’ – Karen Duff, Centre Director, UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London

About the author

Michael Hornberger is Professor of Applied Dementia Research at the University of East Anglia in the UK. He regularly meets patients with Alzheimer’s disease as part of his research aimed at improving diagnosis, disease tracking and symptom management.

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