The End of Memory: A Natural History of Aging and Alzheimer's (Thorndike Press Large Print Lifestyles) - Hardcover

Ingram, Jay

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1410488772 ISBN 13: 9781410488770

Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print, 2016

Synopsis

Canada's bestselling science writer illuminates the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease, one of the most puzzling and debilitating conditions of the modern era

It is a wicked illness that robs its victims of their memories, their ability to think clearly and, ultimately, their lives. For centuries, those afflicted by Alzheimer's disease have been forced to suffer its devastating effects while family members sit by, watching their loved ones disappear a little more each day, until the person they used to know is gone forever. The disease was first described by pioneering German neurologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. One hundred years and a great deal of scientific effort later, much more is known about Alzheimer's, but it still affects millions around the world, and there is no cure in sight.

In The End of Memory, award-winning science writer Jay Ingram charts the history of the disease from before it was noted by Alois Alzheimer right through to the twenty-first century, as researchers continue to search for a cure. In the spirit of Siddhartha Mukherjee's The Emperor of All Maladies, this book is for those who want to find out the truth about an affliction that courses through families and, in some cases, inexplicably affects people early in their lives.

About this title

About the Author

JAY INGRAM was the host of Discovery Channel Canada's Daily Planet from the first episode until June 2011. Prior to joining Discovery, Ingram hosted CBC Radio's national science show Quirks & Quarks. He has received the Sandford Fleming Award from the Royal Canadian Institute, the Royal Society's McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science and the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Alberta, has received five honorary doctorates and is a member of the Order of Canada. He has written twelve books, including Theatre of the Mind and Fatal Flaws.

Review

"In this deft overview, science writer Jay Ingram unravels the complexities of the science past and present." ―Nature

“In this riveting tale of Alzheimer's disease, Canadian science writer Ingram elegantly traces the history of the persistent and devastating ailment and the many medical researchers who have contributed to the public's understanding of it. ... With crackerjack storytelling and fast-paced prose, Ingram examines recent research into Alzheimer's. ... Ingram's first-rate medical writing makes this excellent history a must-read.” ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A cogent and informative history of the disease and overview of current research. ... In clear, accessible, and upbeat prose, Ingram demonstrates his optimism about the possibility of aging and an agile mind, and he is hopeful about finding an effective treatment for sufferers.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Highly readable and informative, this work is strongly recommended for readers interested in medicine, scientific research, or pathology.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

“Ingram's refreshing voice transforms mysteries into compelling reading. In the tradition of Stephen Jay Gould and Oliver Sacks, [Ingram] manages a difficult trick-making the minutiae of science seem alluring to the uninitiated.” ―Maclean’s (Canada)

“Jay Ingram has taken on the role of alchemist: he turns the lead of scientific jargon into literary gold.” ―Calgary Herald (Canada)

“Ingram is a wizard at transforming complex curiosities of the natural and physical sciences into entertaining anecdotes.” ―The Edmonton Sun (Canada)

“Ingram, a veteran science writer and television host, combines snappy writing with interesting and unusual science.” ―Booklist

Edition details

• Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1410488772
• ISBN 13: 9781410488770
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 397