This book brings together the proceedings of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: New Perspectives, the Sixth International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, held recently in Seville, Spain, and discusses the latest developments in the basic science and therapy of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by leading specialists on the topic.
Areas discussed include: mechanisms of degeneration of Parkinson's Disease; the interrelationships between gait and cognitive function; advances in gene transfer and pharmacological regulation of protein aggregation in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases; Alzheimer pathology and ER stress; and stem cell strategies for Alzheimer's Disease.

Recently, there has been tremendous scientific interest in the role of phospholipids and particularly phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) in a variety of biological processes. These include the involvement of phosphatidylcholine in biological membranes, as a component of plasma lipoprotein, as a transporter of choline in the body, and also as a "reserve," and possibly only source of unesterified choline. Moreover, numerous clinical studies have recently been conducted, to evaluate the possible uses of externally supplied lecithin in the treatment of some intractible neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g. tardive dyski.nesia, Alzheimer's disease, etc.) and other conditions (e.g. hypercholesteremia). Results to date are encouraging, yet equivocal. This is due, in part, to the fact that the field of phospholipid methodology is highly complex. There is much confusion in the literature, and many ambiguities still remain in the interpretation of experimental findings. This is particularly so for phenomena involving phospholipid function in the central nervous system. This book incorporates the proceedings of the Fourth International Colloquium on Lecithin, which took place in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on September 15-17, 1986. The purpese of this colloquium was to review, in a comprehensive manner, basic principles as weli as current information about the technology, biochemistry, physiology and therapeutic potential of lecithin. Over 108 individuals from all over the world participated in the sessions. The meeting was subdivided into oral presentations and panel discussions (see Table of Contents). It was sponsored and financed by the Lucas Meyer GmbH (Hamburg), for which the editors are most grateful.

This book represents the third in a series of International Conferences related to Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. The first one took place in Eilat, Israel, in 1985; and the second one in Kyoto, Japan, in 1989. This book contains the full text of oral and poster presentations from the Third International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: Recent Developments, held in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. on November 1-6, 1993. The Chicago Conference was attended by 270 participants. The Scientific Program was divided into nine oral sessions, a keynote presentation, and a poster session. The conference culminated in a Round Table Discussion involving all of the participants in the conference. The four and one-half day meeting served as an excellent medium for surveying the current status of clinical and preclinical developments in AD and PD. There were 59 oral presentations and 93 posters. This book incorporates a majority of both.

Proceedings of the Fifth International Colloquium on Lecithin, held in Cannes, France, April 10-12, 1989

The basal forebrain has received considerable attention in recent years. This emphasis resulted from observations that the cortically projecting cholinergic neurons found in this region are critical for normal information processing. However, to achieve a complete understanding of such a complex function as "information processing" it is necessary to consider the basal forebrain not as an autonomous structure with a solitary task, but one that plays an integrative role; a structure that is connected intimately with many brain regions. This view evolved from the realization that the basal forebrain interfaces cognitive and reward functions with motor outputs. It is from this integrative and functional perspective that the present book was organized. The book is a unique collection of reports pertaining to the basal forebrain that encompasses a diversity of research approaches and techniques. It provides the reader with a progression of information that begins with anatomical descriptions of the afferent and efferent systems, stressing the integrative nature of various neurotransmitters located within the basal forebrain. The chapters focusing on anatomy are complemented by electrophysiologic studies that merge anatomical concepts with synaptic pharmacology and behavior. In vitro experiments demonstrate physiologic variations in anatomically identified neuronal subtypes and, together with in vivo techniques, provide pharmacologic descriptions of neuronal consequences to various neurotransmitter influences. Additional in vivo reports correlate changes in neuronal activity with specific motivational states and motor behaviors. These functional approaches culminate with behavioral studies that overview current understanding of basal forebrain involvement in mnemonic, reward, and motor processes.

1h The 5 International Conference on the Progress in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's 51 1 Disease took place from March 31 to April 5 \ 2001 in Kroto, Japan. This international 1 conference was organized as a joint Congress with the 9 International Catecholamine Symposium. A total of 1258 clinicians and researchers participated in this joint congress 1h from 38 countries in the world. This book represents the proceedings of the 5 Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The International Conference on the Progress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease was first launched by Professor Abraham Fisher of Israel and Professor Israel Hanin of USA. The first conference was held in Eilat, Israel in 1985. The second conference was organized in Kyoto, Japan in 1989; the third one in Chicago, USA, in 1993, and the fourth one in Eilat, Israel in 1997. The International Catecholamine Symposium (ICS) is an international meeting devoted to the development of basic as well as clinical research on catecholamines. The first Catecholamine Symposium was held in Bethesda, USA in 1958. Since then this symposium has occurred every 5 years. Professor Toshiharu Nagatsu was appointed as 1h the president of the 9 International Catecholamine Symposium, which was to be held in 200 I also in Japan. Therefore, we decided to organize a joint congress of the two meetings, because there is much overlap in research between Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and catecholamines. We thank Professor Nagatsu very much for agreeing to organizing this joint congress.

This book represents the fourth ina series of international conferences related to Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PO) diseases. The first one took place in EHat, Israel in 1985; the second in Kyoto, Japan, in 1989; and the third in Chicago, IL, USA in 1993. This book incorporates the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Pro gress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases, held in EHat, Israel, on May 18-23, 1997. This Conference was the 41st in the series of annual OHOLO Conferences sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR). It was also conducted under the aus pices of the Alzheimer's Association Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, USA. The Conference was attended by 550 participants from 28 countries, representing a broad spectrum of research interests; and included a well-balanced representation from aca demia, clinical institutions and pharmaceutical industry. The four-and-one-half day meeting served as an excellent medium for surveying the current preclinical and clinical develop ments in AD, PO, and other related disorders. The scientific program was divided into 24 oral sessions and daily poster sessions. The conference culminated in a round table discus sion. There were 122 talks and 161 posters. This book incorporates a combination of both.

This book is the outcome of an international conference, held at the Aviya Sonesta Hotel in Eilat, Israel, on March 24-27, 1985. This was the 30th in a series of the annual OHOLO Conferences, sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research. Participants in this Conference consisted of scientists from four teen countries; represented a broad spectrum of research interests; and included a well-balanced representation from academia, clinical institutions and pharmaceutical industry. The book includes talks, poster sessions, and a comprehensive general discussion, all from the proceedings of this conference. In the interest of assuring a rapid publication of the novel infor mation reviewed, this book has been prepared in camera-ready format. We are cognizant of the fact that several typographical errors may exist in the text, and that there are variations in style and typeface of the var ious chapters. This, we felt, was a reasonable compromise for the sake of speed and efficient transmission of valuable scientific information. No body is perfect . **** The success of the conference, and hence the quality of this book are attributable to the extensive efforts of a large number of extremely capable individuals. These include members of the Scientific Organizing Committee, and the Technical staff of the OHOLO Organization. Of course, the conference could not have succeeded without the high quality of the presentations, and the enthusiastic participation of the contributing scientists.

Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Alzheimer s Disease and Parkinson s Disease (ADPD), held March 9-13, 2005 in Sorrento, Italy.

The subject matter of the ADPD conferences is unique in that it deals not only with issues related individually to Alzheimer s disease and Parkinson s disease, but also with the integration of these and other related diseases. The most up-to-date techniques and research findings are illustrated in this volume, covering topics such as immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and the history, epidemiology, clinical phenomenology, diagnosis, imaging, treatment, and future perspectives of Alzheimer s and Parkinson s Diseases."

This volume contains the proceedings of the 2005 ADPD conference and is unique in that it deals not only with issues related individually to Alzheimer 's disease and Parkinson 's disease, but also with the integration of these and other related diseases. The most up-to-date techniques and research findings are illustrated in this volume, which covering topics from immunology, neuroscience, and pharmacology to genetics and molecular biology. Possible future developments in the treatment of Alzheimer 's and Parkinson 's Diseases are also covered.

This book represents the third in a series of International Conferences related to Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. The first one took place in Eilat, Israel, in 1985; and the second one in Kyoto, Japan, in 1989. This book contains the full text of oral and poster presentations from the Third International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: Recent Developments, held in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. on November 1-6, 1993. The Chicago Conference was attended by 270 participants. The Scientific Program was divided into nine oral sessions, a keynote presentation, and a poster session. The conference culminated in a Round Table Discussion involving all of the participants in the conference. The four and one-half day meeting served as an excellent medium for surveying the current status of clinical and preclinical developments in AD and PD. There were 59 oral presentations and 93 posters. This book incorporates a majority of both.

1h The 5 International Conference on the Progress in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's 51 1 Disease took place from March 31 to April 5 \ 2001 in Kroto, Japan. This international 1 conference was organized as a joint Congress with the 9 International Catecholamine Symposium. A total of 1258 clinicians and researchers participated in this joint congress 1h from 38 countries in the world. This book represents the proceedings of the 5 Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The International Conference on the Progress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease was first launched by Professor Abraham Fisher of Israel and Professor Israel Hanin of USA. The first conference was held in Eilat, Israel in 1985. The second conference was organized in Kyoto, Japan in 1989; the third one in Chicago, USA, in 1993, and the fourth one in Eilat, Israel in 1997. The International Catecholamine Symposium (ICS) is an international meeting devoted to the development of basic as well as clinical research on catecholamines. The first Catecholamine Symposium was held in Bethesda, USA in 1958. Since then this symposium has occurred every 5 years. Professor Toshiharu Nagatsu was appointed as 1h the president of the 9 International Catecholamine Symposium, which was to be held in 200 I also in Japan. Therefore, we decided to organize a joint congress of the two meetings, because there is much overlap in research between Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and catecholamines. We thank Professor Nagatsu very much for agreeing to organizing this joint congress.

This book represents the fourth ina series of international conferences related to Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PO) diseases. The first one took place in EHat, Israel in 1985; the second in Kyoto, Japan, in 1989; and the third in Chicago, IL, USA in 1993. This book incorporates the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Pro gress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases, held in EHat, Israel, on May 18-23, 1997. This Conference was the 41st in the series of annual OHOLO Conferences sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR). It was also conducted under the aus pices of the Alzheimer's Association Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, USA. The Conference was attended by 550 participants from 28 countries, representing a broad spectrum of research interests; and included a well-balanced representation from aca demia, clinical institutions and pharmaceutical industry. The four-and-one-half day meeting served as an excellent medium for surveying the current preclinical and clinical develop ments in AD, PO, and other related disorders. The scientific program was divided into 24 oral sessions and daily poster sessions. The conference culminated in a round table discus sion. There were 122 talks and 161 posters. This book incorporates a combination of both."

Alzheimer's disease is a primary neurodegenerative disease whose incidence and prevalence is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions. A major reason for this is that man is living longer than he has ever lived before and the likelihood of contracting the disease is significantly greater within the elderly portion of the population. The problem becomes even more acute in the light of recent estimates which predict that the number of people living beyond the age of 65 is expected to continue to increase. The impact of these statistics on the family and the health care industry in terms of time, effort and cost are staggering. A recent report issued by the Michigan Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Conditions (1987) effectively underscores this last point. "Each person with a dementing disease requires an average of seven years of care, either at home or in a residential care facility. Care provided at home is estimated to cost about $12,000 annually, for a total of $84,000 per person. This is a conservative figure, however, because many persons with dementia spend their last few years in a nursing home at an average 'cost of $22,000 per year, and some spend from 10 to 15 years in a nursing home, for a total cost of $220,000 to $330,000.

Widening the focus of the earlier colloquia in the series on lecithin, 30 papers examine the properties, biochemistry, and biological actions of individual phospholipids, dealing with general aspects of phospholipid technology, terminology, and analysis, and such specific topics as the pathogenetic

This book incorporates the proceedings of the Fifth International Cholinergic Conference, which took place in Oglebay Park, West Vir ginia, USA, on October 30th to November 4th, 1983. A scenic forty five minute ride from the City of Pittsburgh, surrounded by champion ship golf courses, luxurious woods and a picturesque lake, Oglebay provided relaxed and beautiful surroundings, conducive to contem plation, stimulating discussions and, thought-provoking scientific sessions. Over 160 individuals from allover the world participated in the sessions. The meeting was sub-divided into oral presentations, round table discussions and poster sessions, and centered upon ten key topics of cholinergic relevance (see Table of Contents). Following in the tradition of the four International Conferences which had preceded this one, the Conference featured the most up to-date developments in the area of cholinergic mechanisms, and provided for ample and productive discussion of new fields and di rections in this area. Moreover, both senior investigators in the field as well as recent newcomers to this sphere of investigation participated in the proceedings. This book, touches on a wide array of mechanisms and applications - from the preclinical to the clinical level. It should thus be useful as a comprehensive resource, with the cholinergic system as a focal hub. The Conference could not have been as successful as it turned out to be, without the support of a number of important contributors.