Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are becoming ever more prevalent as the population ages - the number of cases is expected to rise to about 840,000 in Britain by 2010. Families and friends of those affected face an increasing burden in caring for their loved ones. But there is hope.

In this book, Dr Tom Smith explores the latest thinking on the disease, especially the link between inflammation of the brain and Alzheimer's, and the way in which future drugs may combat this. He also discusses the innovative research into growing new brain cells to replace those that have died - a process previously believed to be impossible.