The Silent Epidemic: A Comprehensive Guide to Alzheimer's Disease

Marvin Ross is a layperson whose writings on medical subjects appear in The Medical Post, The Globe and Mail, and Canadian Research.

This recent book is addressed principally to the families and care-givers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Well researched and documented, with an extensive bibliography, the book considers specific aspects of the disease, devoting a chapter to each.

The author distinguishes between Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia attributable to other causes. He discusses the risk factors and describes the pathology in some detail. Of considerable interest is the chapter devoted to possible causes. Here, the parts played by genetic factors, viral infection, ingestion of aluminum, lack of calcium in the diet, and disturbance in the auto-immune system are considered.

In describing the symptoms of the disease, Ross relates the case histories of two patients, emphasizing the impact of Alzheimer’s on the family and care-givers. The difficulties encountered in obtaining a diagnosis of the condition are great, but even more difficult are the decisions related to care. Inappropriate medication can make the symptoms worse, and many patients require institutionalization because of their wandering.

This is a careful piece of work which gives a more thorough analysis of the disease than is usually found in books addressed to lay people. It is a timely and relevant book offering practical advice as well as medical information to people faced with the necessity of coping with this illness in a family member.