Encyclopedia of Alzheimer's Disease: With Directories of Research, Treatment, and Care Facilities »

Definitions, explanations, and directories of facilities are presented in this resource for anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Definitions, given in alphabetical format, cover terms and processes associated with disease pathology, brain anatomy, research, therapeutic options, caregivers, and government programs. Many entries include accessible b&w drawings illustrating complex biochemical processes and anatomical relationships. Three directories list home care providers and assisted living, adult day care, and long-term residential facilities in each state; locations of the National Institute of Aging's Alzheimer's Disease Centers, along with other governmental, clinical, and university affiliated treatment and research centers; and print resources, Web sites, support groups, and organizations. Moore has worked in hospital laboratories for 30 years. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Library Journal

Alzheimer's is an immensely complex disease affecting about 35 percent of the older population. Although no cure is yet available, ongoing research in genetics, biochemistry, neurology, psychopharmacology, and other disciplines has led to a growing understanding of this devastating disorder. This encyclopedia covers a host of topics related to Alzheimer's, including brain pathology, anatomy, and chemistry; drug and nondrug therapies; genetics; landmark research studies; caregiving issues; diagnostic techniques; and professional organizations involved in Alzheimer's care and research. Unfortunately, the brief entries do not adequately explain complex concepts in terms easily understood by nonprofessional readers, and the drawings illustrating brain anatomy and physiological processes are not especially helpful. More than half the text is devoted to a directory of treatment and adult day-care centers, and a scanty resource list-soon to be out-of-date-tries to cover too much: books, journals, web sites, ongoing clinical trials, research facilities, and organizations. Another drawback is that neither author has a background in gerontology or Alzheimer's: Elaine is a hospital lab technician, and daughter Lisa is a policy analyst and coauthor of Graves Disease: A Practical Guide. Nor is there an editorial board or other evidence of professional contribution or review. A far better source of current information can be found online at the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (www. cms.gov), and other related sites like www.clinicaltrials.gov. A print encyclopedia aimed at lay readers would be an invaluable resource for consumer health collections, but this is not it. Not recommended.-Karen McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Lib., Cleveland Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.