Decoding Darkness: The Search for the Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

Tanzi, Rudolph E., and Ann B. Parson

ISBN 10: 0738201952 / ISBN 13: 9780738201955

Published by Perseus Publishing, Cambridge, MA, 2000

About this Item

xviii, 281 pp. First printing.

Seller Inventory # 020837

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Decoding Darkness: The Search for the Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
• Publisher: Perseus Publishing, Cambridge, MA
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0738201952
• ISBN 13: 9780738201955
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

For nearly a century the cause of Alzheimer's--as well as an effective treatment--has eluded scientists. But research over the past fifteen years has yielded enough knowledge about the disorder's culprit genes and proteins that today drug companies are vying to create a breakthrough drug. At the center of this research is Rudolph Tanzi, a savvy young neurogeneticist who played a key role in a landmark experiment that made disease genes identifiable. Decoding Darkness is the riveting story of his work and that of many others who have gradually pieced together an understanding of why Alzheimer's occurs.Dr. Tanzi and science writer Ann Parson take the reader into the day-to-day lives of those trying to conquer this dreaded disease. In the process, they offer an intimate view of high-stakes medical research, the molecular-genetics revolution that propels it, and the obstacles that threaten to derail it. As human trials for Alzheimer drugs based on one promising hypothesis begin, Decoding Darkness will give readers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at how we got here and where we're headed.

About the Author

Rudolph E. Tanzi is Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital's Genetics and Aging Unit.

Science journalist Ann B. Parson is co-author, with Isaac Schiff, M.D., of Menopause, and until recently was a teacher in Boston University's graduate program in science journalism.