There are over 321,600 Australians living with dementia, with the most common type of dementia being Alzheimer's. Each week, there are 1,700 new cases of dementia in Australia; approximately one person every 6 minutes. This timely book is a practical and compassionate guide to understanding and living with a condition that affects one in four people over 85. The lead author is Professor Ralph Martins, one of the country's most respected researchers. The book is aimed at those in the early stages of the disease, as well as the families, friends and professionals who take on the care of Alzheimer sufferers. There are chapters on diagnosis, research, prevention, treatment, legal issues, impact on loved ones and decision making to do with caring for patients. In addition to practical information and advice, each chapter contains a case study; these detailed accounts provide a personal and heartfelt perspective on the disease.