Decoding Darkness: The Search for the Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

The compelling story of the race to uncover the genetic basis of one of humanity's most brutal killers. . For nearly a century the cause of Alzheimer's--as well as an effective treatment--has eluded scientists. But research over the past fifteen years has yielded enough knowledge about the disorder's culprit genes and proteins that today drug companies are vying to create a breakthrough drug. At the center of this research is Rudolph Tanzi, a savvy young neurogeneticist who played a key role in a landmark experiment that made disease genes identifiable. Decoding Darkness is the riveting story of his work and that of many others who have gradually pieced together an understanding of why Alzheimer's occurs. Dr. Tanzi and science writer Ann Parson take the reader into the day-to-day lives of those trying to conquer this dreaded disease. In the process, they offer an intimate view of high-stakes medical research, the molecular-genetics revolution that propels it, and the obstacles that threaten to derail it. As human trials for Alzheimer drugs based on one promising hypothesis begin, Decoding Darkness will give readers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at how we got here and where we're headed.