In step with our growing lifespan, dementia is becoming a widespread handicap to the health and well-being of individuals and a burden on human society world-wide. The increasing prevalence of this tragic condition has stimulated an explosion of scientific research which resulted in numerous profound insights and technical innovations. This volume presents both an overall and a detailed overview of the worldwide knowledge about the neuroscientific basis of dementia. Leading authorities in their fields provide a far-reaching synthesis of all topics in dementia research, including pathogenesis of dementia, neuroimaging of the earliest alterations, potential biological and genetic markers for Alzheimer's Disease and new therapeutic strategies. Each chapter discusses clinical implications and areas of controversy, highlights the wide range of therapeutic possibilities and indicates promising directions for further research. The book will be of value not only to scientists and graduate students in medical, pharmacological and biological research, but also to physicians and researchers in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.