Dementia Research

The story of Dr. Mary T. Newport's discovery and use of medium-chain fatty acids, which act like alternative fuel in the Alzheimer's brain, to aid her beloved husband, Steve, created such a stir when the first edition was published in 2011 that a second edition was needed to reflect the most recent developments. Dr. Newport brings the story of Steve's progress up to date and details the most recent research on a variety of topics, including possible causes of Alzheimer's and how infection, inflammation, and genetic makeup may affect an individual's response to fatty acid therapy.

Aging - not cancer, not heart disease - is the underlying cause of most human death and suffering. The same cascade of biological changes that renders us wrinkled and gray also opens the door to dementia and disease. We work furiously to conquer each individual disease, but we never think to ask: Is aging itself necessary? Nature tells us it is not: There are tortoises and salamanders who are spry into old age and whose risk of dying is the same no matter how old they are.

As more of us live longer, the fear of an old age devastated by brain diseases like dementia is growing. Many people are already facing the challenges posed by these progressive and terminal conditions, whether in person or because they are caring for loved ones. Dementia is now the fifth most common cause of death across the world. It is a small wonder that understanding, preventing, and finally curing these illnesses is now a global priority.

As the Baby Boom generation ages, growing numbers of people are impacted by dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders. By the year 2020, 53 million people in the US are expected to be over the age of 65. Accompanying the rise in the older population, the number of people in the US diagnosed with AD is expected to exceed 15 million by 2050, out of a total of 80 million worldwide. Writing with wit and compassion, Dr. Camp aims to help his audience better understand how the disease affects memory, and how memory loss may affect behavior.

Here's an essential behind-the-scenes foray into the world of cutting-edge memory research that unveils �ndings only now available to the general public.