A wicked disease that robs its victims of their memories, their ability to think clearly and ultimately their lives. Family members see their loved ones disappear a little more each day until the person they used to know is gone forever. The disease was first described by German psychologist and neurologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. One hundred years and a great deal of scientific effort later, much more is known about Alzheimer's, but it still affects millions around the world, and there is no cure in sight. Science author Jay Ingram writes a biography of this disease that attacks the brains of its (usually) senior patients. He charts the history of the disease from before it was noted by Alois Alzheimer right through to the 21st century, as researchers continue to fight to find a cure.