The Problem of Alzheimer's

How Science, Culture, and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It

By: Jason Karlawish

Narrated by: Jason Karlawish, Jonathan Todd Ross

Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

A definitive and compelling book on one of today's most prevalent illnesses.

In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans had Alzheimer’s, and more than half a million died because of the disease and its devastating complications. Sixteen million caregivers are responsible for paying as much as half of the $226 billion annual costs of their care. As more people live beyond their 70s and 80s, the number of patients will rise to an estimated 13.8 million by 2025.

Part case studies, part meditation on the past, present and future of the disease, The Problem of Alzheimer's traces Alzheimer’s from its beginnings to its recognition as a crisis. While it is an unambiguous account of decades of missed opportunities and our health care systems’ failures to take action, it tells the story of the biomedical breakthroughs that may allow Alzheimer’s to finally be prevented and treated by medicine and also presents an argument for how we can live with dementia: the ways patients can reclaim their autonomy and redefine their sense of self, how families can support their loved ones, and the innovative reforms we can make as a society that would give caregivers and patients better quality of life.

Rich in science, history, and characters, The Problem of Alzheimer's takes us inside laboratories, patients' homes, caregivers’ support groups, progressive care communities, and Jason Karlawish's own practice at the Penn Memory Center.

©2021 Jason Karlawish (P)2021 Recorded Books

A must read

As a geriatrician, I feel strongly that this is the most important book about dementia I have ever read. As a human who cares about preserving dignity with aging, especially in the setting of dementia, I feel all humans should read this book. Given that 1 in 3 older adults will die with some form of dementia, we will all be touched by this disease. Dr. Karlawish beautifully articulates the history, challenges and societal needs surrounding this disease while leaving you feeling inspired and hopeful.

finally a dr answerinng questions

I am so excited to have read this book. Dr Karlowish pulled back the curtains and revealed the Alzheimer's confusion from all sides, by all parties. So much revealed, I must read it again. You will never get this info in a 15min dr appt. Lots of things your dr doesn't even know or understand. Dr. Karlowish - Thank you for caring enough to inform us.

A well-written, informative book

I really enjoyed how this story of Alzheimer's was presented, keeping the listener engaged. I liked the way the history was interwoven with anecdotes, which were themselves very informative and revealing about the nature of the disease. My family is currently involved in the care of a family member with Alzheimer's, and some of the information will be helpful in providing them with better care.

Critical information

I desperately needed this information so I slogged through the book. The reader does not match the content. Also this would be a better book to read unless you are a doctor so you can just skip to the relevant parts.

Most comprehensive book on Alzheimer’s that is informative, caring and beautifully explained!

This book is so well written and very comprehensive I highly recommend this book. The author is clearly brilliant and has years of experience yet manages to keep a complicated topic digestible. He goes into details but never too deep where you drown in medical terms. The history of Alzheimer’s disease is fascinating. Best of all, you can tell he cares not just about the science and politics but he seems grounded in genuine caring for people, both those who are suffering from forms of dementia and their brave care givers. You will gain a much greater understanding and respect and perspective of this horrible disease. Really Amazing!!

Fantastic book

Everyone who is interested in understanding the past, present, or future of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia should read this book.