Alzheimer's Disease--Current Treatment and Future Prospects
Author: William M. Brown
Publisher: Financial Times, Pharmaceuticals/FT Pharmaceuticals
ISBN: 1 86067 355 4
Price: £ 475/US $740
Pages: 155
Reviewed by: Barry J Goldlist, MD, FRCPC, FACP
When I first saw the advertisement for Alzheimer's Disease--Current Treatment and Future Prospects I was intrigued by the price, $740 US. I did not realize until the book arrived for review that the target audience was not physicians or neuroscientists, but the financial community. The book, even with the references and glossary, is only 155 pages long. All the information contained in the book is already available (although scattered) in the public domain.
The book is basically a synopsis on neurodegenerative diseases, predominatly Alzheimer's disease, and the current and upcoming treatments. The author is a neuroscientist, but more importantly, a clear and concise writer. I have rarely seen medical information transmitted so clearly. The content is up-to-date (although there is no mention of chromosome 12 and a possible relationship to Alzheimer's disease) and the description of possible therapies and their mechanisms is exhaustive. A neuroscientist might not learn anything new, but a practising physician in the area, such as myself, would learn about new drugs in the pipeline.
The most obvious lesson I learned is that the economics of practising medicine and the economics of business are quite different. At $740 US there is not enough value for a physician, but I suspect there is for an astute business person. Certainly that person will receive a beautifully written, concise, yet thorough review of market opportunities relating to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Further information regarding this book can be obtained by calling +44 (0) 171 896 2184.
