The Forgetting: Alzheimer`s A Biography of a disease- David Shenk

The Forgetting: Alzheimer's A Biography of a disease- David Shenk

Softcover in VG condition

Excellent! One of the most remarkable books I have read in some time. From picking this up and reading the first few pages I was hooked, unable to put this down. Shenk managed to take me upon an extraordinary, thought provoking journey, into the history of Alzheimers disease and the race for its much sought after cure.
Shenks narrative reads, as the subtitle suggests, like a well-written biography. By presenting us with fascinating, and often distressing, case studies into the lives of famous figures throughout history as well the equally compelling stories of those much less famous David Shenk encourages us to examine the degenerative effects of the disease, from the first faltering steps of the early stages to it is final devastating end.
The text manages to delve into the neurobiology of the disease, detailing the slow devastating effect that Alzheimers has on the brain, and how we have been battling since its first discovery. Shenk manages this in a way that, although simple to understand by those new to the subject, does not feel patronising to the more well versed individual. Shenk manages to expertly integrate many other associated topics including genetic engineering, ancient history, psychology and literary works into this smooth narrative, encouraging the reader to think about Alzheimers in a much wider context than before. The short introductions, written by sufferers and carers, which appear at the beginning of each chapter, allow a powerful insight into the minds of those whom Alzheimers has touched.

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