Over the past few decades, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has emerged from obscurity. Once considered a rare disorder, it is now seen as a major public health problem that has a severe impact on millions of older Americans and their families. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is the lead agency for AD research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIA launched its AD program in 1978, and since then, the study of this disease has become one of NIA’s top priorities. Several other NIH institutes also conduct and sponsor studies on AD.Thanks to the work of NIH institutes, other research organizations around the world, and many private-sector research, education, and advocacy groups, the study of AD is moving ahead rapidly. This book explains what AD is, describes the main areas in which researchers are working, and highlights new approaches for helping families and friends care for people with AD.Table of Contents:IntroductionAD: A Growing National ProblemAbout This BookThen and Now: The Fast Pace of Developments in AD ResearchPart 1: The Basics of the Healthy BrainInside the Human BrainNeurons and Their JobsThe Changing Brain in Healthy AgingPart 2: What Happens to the Brain in ADThe Hallmarks of ADThe Changing Brain in ADPart 3: AD Research: Better Questions, New AnswersLooking for the Causes of ADNew Techniques Help in Diagnosing ADThe Search for New TreatmentsParticipating in a Clinical TrialPart 4: Improving Support for Families and Other CaregiversResearch Findings Benefit CaregiversConclusionGlossaryInformation and Support ResourcesRecommended Reading