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Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia
Cell Biology International, 1999, Vol. 23, No. 8, 589–592 Article No. cbir.1999.0403, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on
BOOK REVIEWS Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia W. WASCO and R. E. TANZI 1997, Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. 312 pp. ISBN 0-89603-371-6 ‘Alzheimer’s to quadruple by 2047’, ‘Most of the eighty-year olds affected by dementia’, ‘New Alzheimer’s gene discovered’—almost every week one can find news about dementia and its increasing social impact. The nature of memory impairment, although approached from many angles, eludes researchers. Is it because of the enormous complexity of the human brain? Modern biological science teaches us that virtually every aspect of bodily functions is determined at the molecular level. Can we explain complex memory processes at this level? Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia is a timely compendium of reviews covering various aspects of current research in this field. The authors, who are all at the forefront of neuroscience research, seem to be united in the opinion that the events responsible for memory deterioration occur primarily at the molecular level. The reviews are related to elementary cellular events that may lead to dementia, e.g. gene defects, abnormal protein accumulation, inflammation, and metabolic changes leading to disturbed homeostasis, neurodegeneration, and, ultimately cell death.
1065–6995/99/080589+04 $30.00/0
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. Emphasis has been placed on the presentation of mechanisms, in accord with the book title, rather than on giving an exhaustive literature review. At the same time the book reflects both the progress and confusion in the dementia research. More and more genes, proteins, and cellular mechanisms are postulated as causative, or at least contributory, yet we still cannot point a finger at a single culprit. To reveal the nature of dementia will require a concerted effort of scientists representing various disciplines. Consequently, this expertly written overview also provides directions for future studies. At the time of publication, a book of this kind is already outdated, an inevitable fate in a fast progressing field. Yet, Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia shows the qualities that make it a valuable reference and source of inspiration. It is highly recommended to all interested in the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases. Jan K. Teller Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. 1999 Academic Press
1999 Academic Press
BOOK REVIEWS Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia W. WASCO and R. E. TANZI 1997, Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. 312 pp. ISBN 0-89603-371-6 ‘Alzheimer’s to quadruple by 2047’, ‘Most of the eighty-year olds affected by dementia’, ‘New Alzheimer’s gene discovered’—almost every week one can find news about dementia and its increasing social impact. The nature of memory impairment, although approached from many angles, eludes researchers. Is it because of the enormous complexity of the human brain? Modern biological science teaches us that virtually every aspect of bodily functions is determined at the molecular level. Can we explain complex memory processes at this level? Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia is a timely compendium of reviews covering various aspects of current research in this field. The authors, who are all at the forefront of neuroscience research, seem to be united in the opinion that the events responsible for memory deterioration occur primarily at the molecular level. The reviews are related to elementary cellular events that may lead to dementia, e.g. gene defects, abnormal protein accumulation, inflammation, and metabolic changes leading to disturbed homeostasis, neurodegeneration, and, ultimately cell death.
1065–6995/99/080589+04 $30.00/0
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. Emphasis has been placed on the presentation of mechanisms, in accord with the book title, rather than on giving an exhaustive literature review. At the same time the book reflects both the progress and confusion in the dementia research. More and more genes, proteins, and cellular mechanisms are postulated as causative, or at least contributory, yet we still cannot point a finger at a single culprit. To reveal the nature of dementia will require a concerted effort of scientists representing various disciplines. Consequently, this expertly written overview also provides directions for future studies. At the time of publication, a book of this kind is already outdated, an inevitable fate in a fast progressing field. Yet, Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia shows the qualities that make it a valuable reference and source of inspiration. It is highly recommended to all interested in the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases. Jan K. Teller Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. 1999 Academic Press
1999 Academic Press