Expanding knowledge on genetic and epigenetic risk factors is rapidly enhancing our understanding of the complex molecular interactions and systems involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. In this publication, leading experts discuss emerging novel conceptual models of the disease along with advances in the development of surrogate markers that will not only improve the accuracy of diagnostic technologies but also improve the prospects of developing disease-modifying interventions. The novel framework of the disease presented here highlights research on biological markers as well as efforts to validate technologies for early and accurate detection. It also introduces notion of a complex systems dysfunction that extends beyond prevailing ideas derived from the ‘amyloid’ or ‘tau’ hypotheses.This outstanding publication provides researchers, clinicians, students and other professionals interested in neurodegenerative disorders with a comprehensive update on current trends and future directions in therapy development, with special focus on advances in clinical trial designs.

Dementia represents a major public health challenge for the world with over 100 million people likely to be affected by 2050. A large body of professionals is active in diagnosing, treating, and caring for people with dementia, and research is expanding. Many of these specialists find it hard to keep up to date in all aspects of dementia. This book helps solve that problem. The new edition has been updated and revised to reflect recent advances in this fast-moving field.

Dementia is increasingly being recognised as a public health priority and poses one of the largest challenges we face as a society. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that the quest for a cure for Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia needs to be complemented by efforts to improve the lives of people with dementia. To gain a better understanding of dementia and of how to organize dementia care, there is a need to bring together insights from many different disciplines. Filling this knowledge gap, this book provides an integrated view on dementia resulting from extensive discussions between world experts from different fields, including medicine, social psychology, nursing, economics and literary studies. Working towards a development of integrative policies focused on social inclusion and quality of life, Dementia and Society reminds the reader that a better future for persons with dementia is a collective responsibility.

Today there are more than 36 million demented persons worldwide. With the aging of populations, the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is expected to more than triple in the coming 40 years. Besides high age and genetic factors, evidence from observational studies shows that many modifiable vascular and lifestyle-related risk factors at midlife affect the risk of the disease. Control of vascular and metabolic risk factors, healthy diet, and maintenance of AN active lifestyle (physical, mental, and social components) may thus be the key issues on the road to prevent or delay the onset of AD. As the pathologic processes leading to AD may take decades to develop, it is crucial to identify optimal time windows for preventive efforts. Targeting several risk factors simultaneously and long duration of the intervention may be needed for the optimal preventive effect. As many persons are affected, relatively small effects of an integrative intervention on common risk factors may have a huge public health impact. Usage of biomarkers may help in identifying different risk phenotypes and in monitoring effects of the interventions. International collaboration is necessary to initiate future large-scale dementia prevention studies that are needed to formulate evidence-based preventive measures in cognitive decline and dementia.

The time has come to further challenge biomedical and clinical thinking about dementia, which has for so long underpinned policy and practice. Framing dementia as a disability, this book takes a rights-based approach to expand the debate. Applying a social constructionist lens, it builds on earlier critical perspectives by bringing together concepts including disability, social inclusion, personhood, equality, participation, dignity, empowerment, autonomy and solidarity. Launching the debate into new and exciting territory, the book argues that people living with dementia come within the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and therefore have full entitlement to all the rights the Convention enshrines. A human rights-based approach has not to date been fully applied to interrogate the lived experience and policy response to dementia. With the fresh analytical tools provided in this book, policy makers and practitioners will will gain new insights into how this broader perspective can be used to further promote the quality of life and quality of care for all those affected by dementia.

This book presents the proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018), held on August 26-30, 2018, in Florence, Italy. By highlighting the latest theories and models, as well as cutting-edge technologies and applications, and by combining findings from a range of disciplines including engineering, design, robotics, healthcare, management, computer science, human biology and behavioral science, it provides researchers and practitioners alike with a comprehensive, timely guide on human factors and ergonomics. It also offers an excellent source of innovative ideas to stimulate future discussions and developments aimed at applying knowledge and techniques to optimize system performance, while at the same time promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals. The proceedings include papers from researchers and practitioners, scientists and physicians, institutional leaders, managers and policy makers that contribute to constructing the Human Factors and Ergonomics approach across a variety of methodologies, domains and productive sectors. This volume includes papers addressing the following topics: Aging, Gender and Work, Anthropometry, and Ergonomics for Children and Education.

Global Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease is a handy one-stop reference for researchers and physicians planning and conducting global clinical trials in this area. This book addresses important considerations that may arise during the successful design and execution of these trials, including site selection, local regulatory issues, pharmacogenomics, ethical matters and much more. Given the saturation of traditional clinical trial markets and the worldwide progression of Alzheimer's disease, there is a need to focus on clinical trials in emerging markets and developing countries. This book provides you with a practical approach to recognizing the opportunities and tackling the challenges that are present during the planning and execution of global clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. - Written by leading experts with hands-on experience in designing and running global Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases clinical trials - A step-by-step guide that provides critical information on the design, conduct and standardization necessary to effectively execute clinical trials and accelerate drug development in this area - Includes practical examples, ethical considerations, lessons learned and other valuable tools to aid the planning and implementation of Alzheimer's disease global clinical trials in emerging markets and developing countries