Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia (Contemporary Neuroscience) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0896033716 ISBN 13: 9780896033719

Publisher: Humana, 1996

Synopsis

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in the attempts of scientists to under­ stand the molecular basis of dementia. Although dementia, as defined by global cogni­ tive decline involving gradual loss of memory, reasoning, judgment, and orientation, presents most commonly in the form of Alzheimer's disease (AD), an assortment of other less common disorders, such as prion and Pick's disease, can also lead to symp­ toms that are similar to those observed in patients with AD. The primary goal of Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia is to address the various mechanisms and multi­ faceted approaches currently being employed to more clearly delineate the etiological and pathogenic events responsible for the onset of dementia. Perhaps the greatest boon to obtaining a clearer understanding of the causes of AD has come from genetic and molecular biological studies carried out over the past decade. At the genetic level, it has become increasingly clear that AD is a heteroge­ neous disorder that can be broadly classified into two categories. "Late onset" (>60 yr) cases, which account for the vast majority of AD, genetically involve "susceptibility" genes representing risk factors for the disease (e. g. , inheritance of the 84 allele of the Apolipoprotein E gene). In many cases, the susceptibility gene can act as a "modifier" that modulates the pathogenic cascade occurring subsequent to a separate etiological event "initiating" or "causing" the disorder.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Wilma Wasco and Rudolph Tanzi bring together in Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia the best and latest thinking by leading scientists on the etiologic and pathogenic events responsible for the onset of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In presenting the various mechanisms and multifaceted approaches currently being employed, the distinguished contributors review such critical factors as apoptosis, energy metabolism, excitotoxicity and calcium-mediated cell death, free radicals, electrophysiological abnormalities, environmental toxins, degeneration of neural networks, and modification of the cytoskeleton. They also examine mechanisms by which ischemia and hypoxia result in dementia.

Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia is the first major contemporary review of this dramatically advancing field. It provides an invaluable summary of the tremendous progress that has been made in developing testable models of the molecular mechanisms of dementia, as well as critical insights into the necessary direction of future investigations of dementia. The book is certain to become a standard reference for all researchers now working in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

Review:

In conclusion, the first chapters of this book provide a lot of very recent information related to the production and the toxicity of the amyloid peptide as well as to the possible role of new genes involved in Alzheimer's disease. It represents a very interesting review for scientists studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease.-ACTA Neurologica Belgica

"The text is logically organized, which helps in making a transition from one subject to the other. The topics are well selected; classical, and new, often controversial, research is covered. Each chapter is succinct and ends with an informative summary...this expertly written overview also provides directions for future studies...a valuable reference and source of inspiration. It is highly recommended to all interested in the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases."-Cell Biology International

About this edition

• Publisher: Humana
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0896033716
• ISBN 13: 9780896033719
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 323
• Editor: Wasco Wilma, Tanzi Rudolph