今や世界で5番目に多い死因となっている認知症。その予防と治療法の確立は急務となっています。近年、脳に関する研究は急速な進展を見せているもののまだ効果的な治療法は見つかっていません。脳の老化と認知症をめぐる科学、その主な考え方、認知症にかかるリスクを下げる要素などを検討するほか、薬の投与やそのほかのアプローチでの治療法についても評価します。認知症と診断された患者にどのような支援があるのかや、患者の生活の質の向上といったポイントについても判りやすく解説します。
　　

• Offers a clear guide to dementia, covering its history and its definition, different types and their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and the underlying science
• Explains why we still have no cure for dementia, and looks at current research which could soon change that
• Discusses both the human costs of brain disorders, and also their costs to society
• Looks at risk factors, and how to lower our chances of succumbing to dementia

   
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 small wonder that understanding, preventing, and finally curing these illnesses is now a global priority.
    
Recent advances in brain research have given scientists a better chance than ever of finding ways to help patients, carers, and clinicians dealing with dementia. Yet there is still no effective treatment. Why has progress been so slow? And what can we all do to reduce our chances of getting the disease? In this Very Short Introduction Kathleen Taylor offers a guide to the science of dementia and brain ageing. Never forgetting the human costs of brain disorders - movingly illustrated throughout the book - she also discusses their costs to society. Clearly explaining the research, she sets out the main ideas which have driven dementia science, and the new contenders hoping to make a breakthrough. Taylor also looks at risk factors, and how to lower our chances of succumbing to dementia. Assessing current and potential treatments, including both drugs and other approaches, she explains, clearly and gently, what help is available for someone who is diagnosed with dementia, and how to boost the chances of living well with the condition.