Neurophilosophy And Alzheimer S Disease

Any mention of the relationship, still poorly understood, between body (or brain) and mind invariably invokes the name of Descartes, who is often thought of as the father of modern philosophy and perhaps of neurophilosophy. Although a native of the heart of France (the region around Tours), Rene Descartes travelled widely, as everyone knows, especially to Holland and Sweden. It should come as no surprise, that the Congress of Neurophilosophy and Alzheimer's Disease was the first in the series of Fondation Ipsen Colloques Medecine et Recherche to be held outside France. The meeting was held in San Diego (California) on January 11, 1991. This venue was chosen for a number of reasons. The University of California San Diego is without doubt one of the most dynamic universities today. A good number of friends of the Fondation Ipsen who have taken part as speakers in previous conferences are based there. Patricia Churchland, whose publications have helped "launch" the term "neurophilosophy", also teaches there. The choice of this particular venue gave us the welcome opportunity of benefiting directly during the conference from the participation of many eminent (including some Nobel Prize-winning) scientists, including biochemists, neuro scientists and "alzheimerologist", psychologists, cognitive science specialists and philosophers.

The study of the relationships between neurotrophic factors (NGF, FGF, amyloid) and neurodegenerative disorders (especially Alzheimer's disease) is of major importance not only for understanding the pathogenesis of the latter, but also for the pharmacological approach to this disease. Information on the subject stemming from the symposium in Strasbourg in April, 1990, organized by the Fondation IPSEN is presented in this book. It provides stimulating hypotheses about the possible role of growth factors in the generation of senile plaques, the process of degeneration and regeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the expression of the gene of NGF and the possible use of NGF in treatment.

This book describes the latest advances in our psychological understanding of Alzheimer's disease, bringing together the main experts in this field to describe recent developments. It will be valuable for people working in related disciplines, such as neurology, psychiatry and neuroscience researchers, as well as providing an introduction to the field for psychologists.

This publication is a landmark work commemorating the centennial of Alois Alzheimer's discovery of what would be known as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The centennial of Alois Alzheimer’s original description of the disease that would come to bear his name offers a vantage point from which to commemorate the seminal discoveries in the field. It traces how the true importance of AD as the major cause of late life dementia ultimately came to light and narrates the evolution of the concepts related to AD throughout the years and its recognition as a major public health problem, with an estimated 30-40 million people affected by AD today. To identify the breakthroughs, the editors have used citation analysis, landmark papers identified by current researchers, and drew upon their own experience and insights. This process took into account the perspectives of individuals who recall the impact of findings at the time they were made, as well as of scientists today who have the advantage of hindsight in weighing the lasting influence of these findings. Because modern AD research was triggered by the seminal work of Tomlinson, Blessed, and Roth some four decades ago, it is particularly fortunate that the vast majority of these milestone authors are still with us.

The reference is a broad-ranging review of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias from both basic and clinical neuroscience perspectives; it provides scientists and medical professionals with an extensive introduction and an up-to-date review of cutting-edge scientific advances. Brings the reader up-to-date with cutting-edge developments in this exciting and fast-paced field Summarizes the most recent developments in the fields of Alzheimer's disease and dementia Brings together articles from a prominent and international group of contributors Encompasses a unique range of topics, combining basic molecular perspectives and cognitive neurosciences

Published in 1996: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by memory disturbances and changes in personality and is associated with aging, although it can occur in people under 65. It is a progressive disease, painful to witness as the patient's health declines. Alzheimer's Disease: Cause(s), Diagnosis, and Care, with its complete and authoritative discussions, will help you understand all facets of this complex disease. This book addresses a broad spectrum of topics ranging from diagnosis, causes, treatment, epidemiology, genetics, risk factors, and care and management. Alzheimer's Disease: Cause(s), Diagnosis, and Care is intended for a diverse audience, including practitioners and students, family members, and everyone who is concerned about this disease.