Alzheimer's Disease Research: What Has Guided Research So Far and Why It Is High Time for a Paradigm Shift

This book highlights the key phases and central findings of Alzheimer's Disease research since 1910, raising critical questions about the exact causes and the focus on the amyloid beta peptide hypothesis. The author advocates for a paradigm shift in research to consider more complex underlying causes and explore alternative hypotheses. Written for researchers and students, the book provides extensive literature references and over 100 illustrations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 652 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the significant phases and groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer's Disease research since the inception of the term 'Alzheimer's Disease' in 1910. Authored by Christian Behl, the book contextualizes dementia research within the respective historical and societal contexts and provides a comprehensive summary of the pathways that have led to the currently available Alzheimer's drugs. As the reader traverses the major advancements in Alzheimer's Disease research, particularly in the past three decades, Behl raises critical questions: Why, despite extensive global research efforts in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, are the exact causes of Alzheimer's Disease still largely unknown? Why has a significant portion of the research field remained narrowly focused on a single hypothesis, which posits the deposition of the amyloid beta peptide in the brain as the primary trigger of Alzheimer's pathology, despite this concept not being conclusively proven in clinical settings? Are there alternative hypotheses that could explain the pathogenesis of this complex brain disease, and if so, why have these perspectives not received adequate attention?

In this book, Behl aims to address these questions. He begins by providing a historical backdrop, illustrating the long and arduous journey of research, its numerous setbacks, and the alternative explanations for Alzheimer's Disease that have gained increasing attention and acceptance within the Alzheimer's research community more recently. Through his detailed exploration of the history and progression of this research, including the most recent developments, Behl elucidates why he believes that it is imperative to advocate for a paradigm shift in Alzheimer's Disease research.

The book is designed for researchers in the fields of neurobiology, neurodegeneration, and other biomedical disciplines. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the state of Alzheimer's Disease research, providing valuable insights for scholars and practitioners alike. By challenging prevailing assumptions and encouraging a broader exploration of potential hypotheses, this book contributes to the ongoing efforts to better understand and address this devastating disease.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031315695
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023